Calgary Flames vs. Anaheim Ducks Preview

In tonight’s National Hockey League late game, the Calgary Flames travel to Anaheim to face off with the Anaheim Ducks.

Both of these teams are off to one of their best starts in their respective franchise histories. Right now, the Flames are 3-0-2, whereas the Ducks are 4-1-0.

The tale of the tape shows the two teams being fairly evenly matched in many key areas.

Both teams average 3.6 goals per game. Anaheim leads the Flames in Shots on Goal per game. Anaheim averages 38.6, whereas Calgary averages 31.8.

On the flip side, the Flames have a much better Power Play Percentage. Calgary is 22.2% on the Power Play, where Anaheim is only 4.8%.

Surprisingly enough, the team stat leaders’ numbers are fairly evenly matched as well. Calgary’s leading goal scorer Sean Monahan has 4 goals, and Anaheim’s Jakob Silfverberg has the same. Calgary left wing Jiri Hudler leads the team with 5 assists and a point total of 7, whereas Anaheim’s Corey Perry has 3 assists with a total of 6 points.

So far this season, every single one of Calgary’s games have been decided by just one single point, 2 of which came after the end of regulation. Anaheim’s victories have been slightly more decisive, with only one game extending beyond regulation.

The Ducks have not dropped a game since losing to the Colorado Avalanche 6-1 in the season opener.

Calgary’s rookie center Sean Monahan has scored a goal in each of his last 4 games and at least 1 point in his last 5 NHL appearances.

Between the pipes, Calgary goaltender Joey MacDonald will be getting the start tonight. He is 3-0-1 in his 4 appearances, with a GAA of 2.98 and a Save Percentage of .897   It would stand to reason that the Ducks are going to start goaltender Jonas Hiller. Hiller has an amazing GAA with 1.30 and a Save Percentage of .950.

I don’t foresee this being a very high scoring game. I also feel like this contest is going to come down to the lasr 1-2 goals.

Time: 10:00 p.m.

Network: TSN, PRIME