Calgary Flames seek revenge as they host Dallas Stars – NHL Preview
If Calgary Flames want to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs this season, this is the best time for them to start winning games or else they might end up regretting at the end.
They have six more games to play in the regular season and the cause of concern for them is their current losing streak and the fact that they are still out of the comfort zone in the Western Conference.
As for Dallas Stars, they are leading the Pacific Division, but are not far away from the other competitive teams of the division.
Stars and Flames are going to face each other on Monday, March 26, 2012, at Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Flames
They are ranked at 11th spot in the Western Conference with 83 points after 76 games and are three points behind the eighth-ranked Los Angeles Kings.
San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche are ranked at ninth and 10th spot respectively with 86 points each.
Flames are presently on a five-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Edmonton Oilers (3-1), Columbus Blue Jackets (2-1 after shootout), Colorado Avalanche (2-1 in overtime), Minnesota Wild (3-2 after shootout) and Dallas Stars (4-1).
Stars
They are ranked at third spot in the Western Conference with 87 points after 75 games and have won two of their last three games with the recent victory coming against Flames.
With the game against Flames, Stars are going to kick off their four-game road trip and will play three more games after that.
Previous meeting
In their last meeting, Stars were dominant right from the start. They scored twice in the first period while Flames also managed a goal.
The second period went goalless and Stars scored twice in the final to win the game.
Stars’ coach, Glen Gulutzan, said of the team:
"Sometimes it's easier to get on the road this time of the year and just kind of let loose for a road swing and just kind of put pressure on other teams in their buildings that have to win games. So I think the road trip comes at a good time for us because
our game isn't quite where it should be and we can get away and get it to where it needs to be."
Flames’ right wing, Jarome Iginla, said:
"Our chances are slim. We most likely have to run the table. But we won't give up."
Predictions
Stars have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Flames win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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