Tune in Friday at 7:00 PM EST as the Calgary Flames take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Kent Wilson from
Five Hole Fanatics will be liveblogging for your enjoyment.
Hello folks, and welcome to the Flames @ Hurricanes liveblog!
Calgary is going for their 7th straight win on the road, potentially tying a franchise record
Both teams added significant elements at the trade deadline. The Flames acquired Olli Jokinen and Jordan Leopold, while Carolina added previous 'Cane Eric Cole.
The new Flames made quite an impression in their first game yesteryday against the Flyers, combining for 3 goals and a +4 rating. Jokinen played with Jarome Iginla and Mike Cammalleri, while Leopold was paired with Dion Phaneuf.
Cole will likely land on a line with Eric Staal, who will no doubt face Jarome Iginla most of the evening.
As Mitchell notes, Curtis McElhinney will be in net for the Flames this evening. The rookie has yet to win a game in the NHL - in addition, the Flames have been very poor in the 2nd half of back-to-backs this season. So good news if you're a Carolina fan.
INJURY REPORT - Flames - Calgary is lacking a ton of regulars in Langkow, Bourque, Bertuzzi, Giordano and Primeau.
INJURY REPORT - Hurricanes - Carolina is almost totally healthy. Only David Tanabe is gone (concussion) and he's on the roster as a technicality. Jussi Jokinen will also be absent for *personal reasons*. Otherwise, the 'Canes are good to go.
Carolina is currently battling for it's play-off life in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, Calgary is solidly positioned in the Western Conference's top 3.
Jokinen had two terrible first shifts as a Flame (give-away and a penalty), but turned things around after that last night.
Jarome Iginla has finally caught fire after being relatively lackluster up until now. He couldn't have picked a better time, given all the injuries.
Tuomo Ruutu has resurrected his career in Carolina. Previously considered a top notch talent, Ruutu battled injury and consistency issues his entire time in Chicago. The Blackhawks finally gave up on him last season and dealt him for Andrew Ladd.
He is currently on pace to match or exceed all of his career bests. Course, playing with Eric Staal certainly doesn't hurt.
Jordan Leopold played more than 23 minutes for the Flames in his (2nd) debut. Only Dion Phaneuf played more than that.
haha - the first line is certainly very intimidating on paper. However, not much can be taken from a single game. We'll get a real indication what the results will be 10 games from now (especially when Langkow returns).
No doubt. Both teams are powerhouses.
Jokinen certainly makes the Flames LOOK scarier. Have you seen pictures of that dude?
haha. True on both counts.
I wonder how much longer this offensive explosion will last? Calgary can't possibly continue to score 5 goals a game.
Here we go!
As anticipated, Iginla starts v Staal
The 'Canes get the first good chance off the initial shift.
Cole centers to an open Staal in the deep slot, but CuMac makes a left pad save on the shot.
Carolina continues to apply pressure, with the Whitney line generating a couple shots at the Flames net.
The Canes look like the better team thus far.
Carolina gets another good shot on net, this time from the face-off circle. CuMac is equal to the task again.
Flames are having problems executing in the defensive zone. Passes are just a little off, resutling in give-aways
Three and half minutes in and the Flames still dont have a shot.
