Calgary forward Yegor Sharangovich returns to Jersey to face his old team and former Flames winger Tyler Toffoli
Flames (23-22-5, 51 points) at New Jersey Devils (25-20-3, 53 points)
So many storylines as the Flames look to claim a third consecutive win amidst the ever-tightening wild card chase.
Not only does it mark the return to New Jersey for Calgary forward Yegor Sharangovich — Blake Coleman also began his career with the Devils — the night is an opportunity to face former Flame sniper Tyler Toffoli.
Sharangovich has collected 20 goals and 35 points in 50 games this season, providing excellent return in last summer’s deal that sent Toffoli to New Jersey. Toffoli, who was ill and missed last game but due to return, has netted 21 goals and 34 points in 47 outings.
Looking at the Flames, a fascinating study will be whether they can build on Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins. In his first game for Calgary, forward Andrei Kuzmenko provided punch to a line with Sharangovich and Jonathan Huberdeau, and nobody could complain about the performance of Jakob Pelletier and Kevin Rooney in their first NHL game of the season following pre-season shoulder surgery for both of them.
As well, defenceman Brayden Pachal will have enjoyed a couple of days to get to know his new teammates.
The Devils, who into Thursday’s action five points out of a playoff spot, are coming off an impressive 5-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, which snapped a two-game slide.
Even better news for New Jersey is that centre Jack Hughes is expected to return after missing 11 games due to an upper-body injury, which will also boost New Jersey’s power play.
Defenceman Nick DeSimone, who New Jersey claimed off waivers from Calgary, is not expected to play.
New Jersey won the first meeting of the season, a 4-2 game in Calgary on Dec. 9.
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
Extras: Dennis Gilbert, Jordan Oesterle
Goal:
Jacob Markstrom
Dan Vladar
Markstrom has a 2-9-3 career record against New Jersey with a 2.86 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. Vladar won his lone game against the Devils, a 5-3 game Oct. 26, 2021.
Here is the expected roster for the Devils:
Forwards:
Ondrej Palat-Nico Hischier-Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier-Erik Haula-Dawson Mercer
Tyler Toffoli-Jack Hughes-Alexander Holtz
Curtis Lazar-Tomas Nosak-Nathan Bastian
Defence:
Kevin Bahl-Simon Nemec
Luke Hughes-John Marino
Santeri Hatakka-Colin Miller
Goal:
Vitek Vanecek
Nico Daws
Vanecek boasts an 4-0-0 record, 3.20 GAA and .899 SvPct. against Calgary. Daws has a 0-1-0 with a 10.08 and .731. mark
ICE CHIPS: New Jersey has a few hot players, notably Jesper Bratt — who leads the Devils with 52 points — has three goals in a three-game streak, and six points in a five-game run ... The Devils are no longer the low-scoring, trapping club of your father. They are fifth in goals-per-game (3.46) but also fourth-worst goals-against-per-game at 3.58, ahead of only Ottawa, Columbus and San Jose. No wonder rumours abound of them searching for a goalie ... By comparison, the Flames are 17th in goals-per-game (3.06) and 13th in goals-against-per-game (3.04) ... Flames LW Jonathan Huberdeau — who has collected 14 points in his last 14 games — has netted eight goals and 20 points in 24 career games against the Devils.