The Calgary Flames' Week Ahead: One More Road Clash Before A Four-Game Homestand

Flames end a sojourn against Adam Fox and the New York Rangers before heading back to the Stampede City with the playoff push in full swing and trade deadline looming

Victories over the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders all had a similar theme from the opposition: complaints of a sub-par performance from the teams and their fans.

That is fair, but does not credit what the Flames accomplished.

Calgary lacks the truly high-end talent of so many teams, but these games have proven what can be accomplished with a top-tier goalie in Jacob Markstrom behind a well-structured team that receives contributions throughout the lineup.

The Flames did catch the Bruins who had plenty of players still at the beach, but also matched the speed of the Devils and made it a tough game for the Islanders in their own zone en route to those victories.

That happens only when you outwork the opposition. Fatigue becomes a factor at some point with the way the Flames must play — which was visible during Calgary’s disappointing recent six-game homestand — but the Flames (25-22-5, 55 points) have nothing to apologize for during this winning streak that has them just outside a playoff position.

This is all coming amidst the constant trade chatter and likelihood more veteran players are headed out the door before the the March 8 trade deadline.

With that date fast approaching, let’s look at the coming week’s opponents.

Monday: At New York Rangers (33-16-3, 69 points)

The Rangers sit atop the Metropolitan Division and are riding a four-game winning streak that includes victories over the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks.

Not that the Blackhawks victory was something to write home about. New York squandered a 3-1 lead midway through the third period before recovering thanks to Mika Zibanejad’s overtime goal in a 4-3 win.

This will be Calgary’s sixth game against Adam Fox, who spurned the Flames after drafting him in 2016. In previous clashes, Fox has collected five assists — three in the first game against Calgary.

The Rangers took the first meeting of the season, a 3-1 game in Calgary on Oct. 24.

Thursday: Versus San Jose Sharks (14-32-5, 33 points)

The Sharks return from the all-star break/bye week when they visit the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday. Being the first game at home for Calgary after a road swing, it has the makings of a trap game.

San Jose, which leads only the Blackhawks in the league standings, went into the break on a respectable 4-1-1 run, with the final game in that stint a 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

That said, where to start with how awful this Sharks team is? They are tied for worst offence, sit last defensively and second worst on the penalty kill.

This is the first of three meetings this season and Calgary has won the last five games.

Saturday: Versus Detroit Red Wings (27-18-6, 60 points)

The Red Wings have taken grasp of a wild-card spot thanks to a 10-2-2 roll, capped by a thrilling comeback 4-3 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

Detroit, which opens a four-game road trip Tuesday in Edmonton before playing in Vancouver on Thursday and coming to Calgary for an afternoon game, is tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs — both teams hold a wild-card position. They are also one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for third place in the Atlantic Division.

Detroit is fourth in the league in goals-for-per-game at 3.49 (by comparison, the Flames are 16th at 3.13), led by Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond.

Not long ago, the Red Wings were seen as potential sellers at trade deadline, with the likes of David Perron, Daniel Sprong, Christian Fischer and Shayne Gostisbehere all pending unrestricted-free agents. However, with the opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, GM Steve Yzerman may be forced to add to his roster and make a push.

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