Roster changes abound for the Flames as they open a four-game trip against the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins
Flames (22-22-5, 49 points) at Boston Bruins (31-9-9, 71 points)
The new-look Calgary Flames, with more changes expected over the next month, open the post-all-star-break schedule by kicking off a four-game road trip against the Boston Bruins.
The Flames sit five points out of a playoff spot with 33 games remaining, and kicked off a much-anticipated re-tooling last week when top-line center Elias Lindholm was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in a deal that brought winger Andrei Kuzmenko into the fold, along with a couple of draft picks and prospects.
That is not the only change. A couple of forwards in veteran Kevin Rooney and rookie Jakob Pelletier who suffered shoulder injuries in the pre-season which required surgery have made the long climb back to the team. Cole Schwindt was also recalled from the AHL Wranglers.
As well, the Flames claimed defenseman Brayden Pachal off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights.
Martin Pospisil is slated to return after missing four games due to an injury suffered in the Jan. 18 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Bruins sit tied atop the league standings with the Vancouver Canucks, and headed into the break with seven wins in eight outings and enjoying a 12-2-3 run as they begin a seven-game homestand.
Here’s a look at Calgary’s expected lineup:
Forwards:
Jonathan Huberdeau-Yegor Sharangovich-Andrei Kuzmenko
Connor Zary-Nazem Kadri-Martin Pospisil
Andrew Mangiapane-Mikael Backlund-Blake Coleman
Jakob Pelletier-Kevin Rooney-Walker Duehr
Extra: Cole Schwindt
Defence:
MacKenzie Weegar-Rasmus Andersson
Noah Hanifin-Chris Tanev
Oliver Kylington-Brayden Pachal
Extra: Dennis Gilbert, Jordan Oesterle
Goal:
Jacob Markstrom
Dan Vladar
Markstrom has a 4-5-1 career record against Boston with a 3.04 goals-against average and .900 save percentage. Vladar has a career 1-1-0 mark against his former team, including one shutout, with a 1.72 GAA and .933 SvPct.
Here is the potential roster for the Bruins:
Forwards:
Brad Marchand-Carlie Coyle-Jake DeBrusk
James van Riemsdyk-Pavel Zacha-David Pastrnak
Jakub Lauko-Morgan Geekie-Trent Frederic
Danton Heinen-Jesper Boqvist-Oskar Steen
Defence:
Matt Grzelcyk-Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm-Brandon Carlo
Derek Forbort-Kevin Shattenkirk
Goal:
Jeremy Swayman
Linus Ullmark
Swayman’s lone game against Calgary was in a 4-0 Calgary win on Nov. 21, 2021 — Vladar’s shutout against the Bruins. Ullmark boasts an 4-1-1 record, 2.64 GAA and .928 SvPct. against the Flames.
ICE CHIPS: As much as the Flames must brace for F David Pastrnak, C Charlie Coyle is riding an eight-game point streak with four goals and eight assists … The Bruins have scored first in 30 of their games, second only to the Vancouver Canucks (33) and hold a 22-3-5 mark when doing so. Boston has outscored its opponents by a 53-29 margin … In 19 career games against Calgary, Bruins LW Brad Marchand has collected 13 goals and 19 points ... In 17 career games against his hometown team, Flames D Noah Hanifin has notched four goals and 12 points.