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Preseason game 3. The return of Mark Giordano |
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Tonight the Calgary Flames face off against the newly formed Seattle Kraken. Headlining the Flames third preseason game will be the return of Mark Giordano to the Scotiabank Saddledome. The long tenured former captain of the Calgary Flames will have all eyes on him tonight. This match will also feature a first look at Blake Coleman as well as a return to play for such veterans as Tkachuk, Lindholm, Gaudreau and Tanev.
Here is tonight’s lineup courtesy of Pat Steinberg of the Fan 960:
Tkachuk-Lindholm-Coleman
Gaudreau-Backlund-Mangiapane
Lucic-Gawdin-Lewis
Kirkland-Froese-Duehr
Zadorov-Andersson
Kylington-Tanev
Valimaki-Stone
Vladar
Werner
Five things to keep an eye on:
A potential new first line
While Lindholm and Tkachuk played most of last season together — Coleman was playing in Tampa en route to a Stanley Cup. Tonight will be a first look at what may be the Flames first line this season.
A rare combination
It’s not often Gaudreau and Backlund are playing on the same line. It will be interesting to see how they work together. All three players on that line are great at making plays off the wall. Interesting to see Sutter taking a look at a top six that doesn’t feature Sean Monahan.
Another try for Zadorov-Andersson
This pairing wasn’t very functional against the Oilers. While the chemistry wasn’t immediate, it will be interesting to see if they’ve gotten better as a unit.
Gawdin gets a tryout with veterans
Lucic and Lewis are fairly long in the tooth and understand what it takes to play a shutdown role. Keep an eye on how Gawdin looks in terms of supporting the play as their center.
Kylington earns a look with Tanev
This pairing hasn’t been seen before. Kylington played a smooth passing game against the Canucks and earned this chance by keeping his game accountable. Last year, Sutter called out Kylington for not utilizing his defensive partner well enough. Let’s see if he improved in that area.
Valimaki needs a rebound
So far Jusso Valimaki has had a disappointing preseason. He seems to be struggling to read the play and make the appropriate pass. If he doesn’t get his anticipation going he’ll start the year on the outside looking in.
Thanks for reading,
Trevor Neufeld
Follow me on Twitter @Trevor_Neufeld
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