Game Day Preview 02/16/12: Flames vs Stars

Caleb Pass on Thu, 2012-02-16 15:37

While the Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames are both within striking distance of an eighth spot on the Western Conference, the Flames might have a better shot at sneaking in, since the Stars have now lost their last three games.

In addition to Dallas' losing streak, Calgary could be homing in on their fifth straight win over Dallas in the first of four games this evening in Dallas' territory.

While Calgary has gone 4-0-2 in February, the team is aware they need to keep pushing to qualify. "Every point matters now" said Paul Byron. "We're trying to make up ground to get that last playoff spot". If they do, it will be their first playoff appearance in three years.

While Dallas' recent record may look a bit shaky (4-8-2 in their last 14 games), Coach Glen Gulutzan claims his team’s effort have improved. And it needs to, since they're four points out of that close, yet so far, eighth spot.

Tonight, Kiprusoff is coming off a 41-save victory against Toronto from Tuesday night, while Tanguay, Jokinen, and Iginla each netted a goal. They can be a dangerous line when they're on top of the game so we may see some more magic from them tonight.

For Dallas, they're going to have to step on the gas here. They've scored two goals or less in 12 of their last 14 games. Jamie Benn, a leading scorer, has gone pointless in four of his last six games. However, he has a four-game point streak against the Flames. We'll see if he'll redeem himself tonight.

Projected lines for tonight:

Tanguay - Jokinen - Iginla

Kostopoulos - Cammalleri - Comaeu

Bouma - Horak - Kolanos

Byron - Stajan - Jackman

Bouwmeester - Butler

Giordano - Hannan

Broodie - Sarich

Kiprusoff