I don't know much about the Islanders, besides the Satan/Hunter stuff I discussed the other day. Besides that, what I do know is:
- They are the lowest scoring team in the league.
- They have a very good, if bleaguered, starting goalie in Dipietro.
- They are somehow the best team in the Eastern Conference at killing penalties (86.1%, 6th in the league).
- They are so far winless on this swing through Western Canada.
The Flames will be looking to bounce back from their embarrassing effort against the Coyotes on Tuesday night. For anyone paying close attention, the loss to Phoenix was actually the third straight poor overall effort by this team, the other two resulting in victories thanks to superhuman efforts from a few key players (Kipper and Iginla in San Jose, Iginla and Huselius in Los Angeles).
No changes to the line-up tonight, which surprises me somewhat as coaches will typically tinker with the roster after a poor performance. Nilson and Primeau are spectators again and Kipper will (surprise!) be in net (though, is there a more appropriate opponent for our under-used back-up to face than the worst offense in the league?). Adrian Aucoin is still hurt, so we'll be treated to more Eriksson on the point during the PP (and more of Warrener's glacial sprints across the ice). Nothing therefore changes about my expectations of the match - good Iginla/Huselius = win. Average Iginla/Huselius = loss. Little more can be said of Flames as they currently stand.
