[7:30 PM] Flames @ Red Wings

Who will WIN this matchup?

Calgary Flames (7-11-1)

@ Detroit Red Wings (8-9-1)

 

Starting Goalies:

Chad Johnson (CGY): Confirmed

Jimmy Howard  (DET): Likely

 

• The Detroit Red Wings hope to end their scoring drought with an important weapon back in the lineup when they host the Calgary Flames on Sunday night. Veteran forward Thomas Vanek is expected to return for the Red Wings, who have gone 2-7-1 since winning six consecutive contests and have been shut out twice during their three-game losing streak.

• Sam Bennett was moved from center to wing, joining Sean Monahan and Troy Brouwer on the top line, and the unit produced both goals against the Blackhawks on Friday. Michael Frolik (12) is the only active player – Gaudreau has 11 – with double-digit points for the Flames while defenseman T.J. Brodie, who registered a career-high 45 points last season, has only three and has a minus-11 rating.

• Vanek’s return is a welcome sight with forwards Darren Helm (shoulder) and Andreas Athanasiou (knee) on injured reserve and it gives Detroit another presence around the net. Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg, who shares the team lead in points with 11, told reporters. Gustav Nyquist also has 11, but has not scored a goal in 12 games, while fellow forward Tomas Tatar has one goal in the last 13 contests.

• Calgary G Brian Elliott has lost his last five starts and sat on the bench as G Chad Johnson allowed four goals over the last three games.

• Detroit F Dylan Larkin has only two points – both goals – in eight games this month.

• The teams split a pair of games last season – each winning in its home arena.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Detroit Red Wings

Confidence: 5/10

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