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**Update - Kiprusoff has been given the nod to start tonight.
The Calgary Flames will play host to the San Jose Sharks tonight and although both teams are fresh off a win over the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose ran over the Flames 4-1 and went on a 7 game winning streak the last time they met. No doubt the Sharks will be looking to ignite another string of wins tonight in Calgary.
After their streak, however, the Sharks struggled and only won 4 of 14 games, though they’ve turned it around recently going 3-0-1 in their last four. The Sharks played just last night in Vancouver and for that reason, the Flames may see backup goalie Thomas Greiss. Though, if I had anything to do with it I would urge against playing the backup as Niemi was hot last night saving 36 shots whereas Greiss allowed 6 goals in his last game. But, in a condensed schedule you need to make sure to rest and protect your goalies.
Hopefully for Calgary the Sharks will in fact role with Greiss between the pipes as the Shark’s defense has been top notch, allowing the 3rd least goals in the league. It won’t be an easy game for the Flames offense but in their last outing, Stempniak was able to score on a nice shot from outside; something they’ll have to exercise tonight.
The Flames were also missing Hudler and Cervenka who’ve contributed to their offence since returning and should make a difference tonight. Apparently, they will be paired up with Iginla tonight on the 2nd line. Still, tonight the Flames will have to earn their goals. They will need to keep their feet moving in order to jump on rebounds and create chances. After being robbed by Luongo on Sunday night, I’ll be keeping my eye on Baertschi; he’s fervent for a goal. If the Flames carry their momentum from Sunday forward, he and his teammates should be able to produce.
One thing to keep in mind tonight will be avoiding the penalty box. In the season opener the Flames took 12 minutes in penalties, all of which seemed to come after San Jose goals. In their last match up the Sharks converted 2 of 6 power plays. Fortunately for Calgary, since then they have been quite unsuccessful on the power play. If the Sharks do find the back of the net, Calgary will need to up the intensity and not take a penalty…unless of course it’s because McGrattan drops the gloves.
Kipursoff still hasn’t been cleared to play though he had his first full ice practice Tuesday. Chances are we will see Macdonald tonight, even though Taylor had a great game Sunday night. The Flames defense will need to stand strong in front of whoever plays in net. The Sharks haven’t had great success in the scoring department this season, however they shouldn’t be underestimated. They have a lot of talented offense and in spite of their issues; they are still 11th overall in their conference.
After a big 3rd period win on Sunday night, the Flames seem to have turned a corner. Tonight is the real test though; a win tonight would put them ahead of Edmonton and only four points behind the current 4th place Kings.
Ramo Update
In game 7 of the KHL quarter finals, Ramo had a shutout against Sibir Novosibirsk which advanced his team to the semifinals. Bound to his KHL contract until April 30 after being acquired from Montreal in the Mike Cammalleri deal last winter, Ramo has been dominant in the KHL playoffs with a 0.949 save percentage and a goals-against-average of 1.27 in seven games. This is nothing but positive news for the Flames organization as Ramo is still only 26 years old.
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