Changes a plenty as the struggling Flames attempt to pull out of their nosedive
Matt Coronato played plenty of center in the NCAA ranks, and it appears he will have his chance to try that role in Wednesday’s home clash with the Dallas Stars.
Note the start time is 6:30 p.m. at the Saddledome.
With Dillon Dube out due to injury, joining Adam Ruzicka, the Flames have done more line juggling beyond just summoning 2020 first-round pick Connor Zary from the minors.
Coronato, the rookie who has scored one goal and added one assist, along with a minus-9 rating, will likely start the clash on the fourth line with AJ Greer and Walker Duehr. Coronato is also expected to see power play time.
Both Dube and Ruzicka are capable of playing forward, so being without them cuts into Calgary’s depth up the middle.
We will see how long the Flames go with that plan, and how successful it is against a Dallas team that is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender in big part due to its forward depth.
Here’s a look at Calgary’s probable lineup:
Forwards:
Jonathan Huberdeau-Elias Lindholm-Andrew Mangiapane
Dryden Hunt-Mikael Backlund-Blake Coleman
Connor Zary-Nazem Kadri-Yegor Sharangovich
AJ Greer-Matt Coronato-Walker Duehr
Extras: Dillon Dube (undisclosed) is joining Adam Ruzicka (shoulder) on the sidelines.
Defense:
MacKenzie Weegar-Rasmus Andersson
Noah Hanifin-Chris Tanev
Nikita Zadorov-Dennis Gilbert
Extra: Jordan Oesterle
Goal:
Jacob Markstrom
Dan Vladar
Here is the expected roster for the Stars:
Forwards:
Jason Robertson-Roope Hintz-Joe Pavelski
Jamie Benn-Wyatt Johnston-Evgenii Dadonov
Mason Marchment-Matt Duchene-Tyler Seguin
Ty Dellandrea-Radek Faksa-Craig Smith
Defense:
Ryan Suter-Miro Heiskanen
Thomas Harley-Jani Hakanpaa
Esa Lindell-Nils Lundkvist
Goal:
Jake Oettinger
Scott Wedgwood
Even with the Stars facing the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow, Dallas plans to put number-one goalie Jake Oettinger in the net. Oettinger, who was incredible when the clubs met in the 2022 playoffs, actually has a weak record against Calgary in the regular season, a 1-3-0 record with a 4.20 goals-against average and .894 save percentage.