Home Sweet Dome: Flames Gear Up for Extended Homestand
The Calgary Flames are back at the Scotiabank Saddledome, kicking off their longest home stretch of the season. After a grueling road trip, the Flames are set for a six-game series at home, starting with a clash against the St.
Louis Blues. Calgary opened their season against the Blues, and tonight, they’ll aim to notch their first win against them this season.
Blake Coleman and his teammates are eager to settle back in front of their home crowd. Reflecting on the recent road trip, Coleman shared, "It was a long trip, and it felt even longer after the game in Detroit. It'll be great to be back home, regroup, and play in front of our fans."
Head Coach Ryan Huska emphasized the need for consistency as the Flames look to bounce back from a tough Eastern swing. "We've got to get back at it," Huska noted.
"Our challenge is to deliver a full 60-minute performance. There are certain mistakes we keep making, and they’re costing us."
This home stretch is fast-paced, with six games over 11 days. Tonight’s matchup against St. Louis is the first test, offering the Flames a chance to make their opponents feel the heat.
Facing Off Against the Blues
St. Louis is in the midst of a three-game road trip through Western Canada.
Their seven-game point streak was snapped with a 3-2 loss in Winnipeg, despite outshooting the Jets 31-18. Head Coach Jim Montgomery highlighted the team's struggle at the net-front, noting, "Winnipeg outperformed us there, and it's an area we need to improve."
March has been a month of change for the Blues, with captain Brayden Schenn and veteran Justin Faulk departing. Meanwhile, Robert Thomas leads the team with 44 points, matching Blake Coleman’s 16 goals for the Flames.
The Blues hold a five-point lead over Calgary in the Western Conference standings, boasting 24 regulation wins-the most among Western teams currently outside the playoff picture.
By the Numbers
- Powerplay Efficiency: Flames rank 31st at 15.6%, while Blues are 27th at 16.8%.
- Penalty Kill: Flames are 11th with an 80.6% success rate, Blues 28th at 75.4%.
- 5-on-5 Shot Attempts: Flames sit 13th at 50.71%, Blues 25th at 47.78%.
- High-Danger Scoring Chances: Flames rank 23rd at 47.96%, Blues 20th at 48.54%.
Season Series Snapshot
The Flames and Blues have faced off twice this season. The Blues spoiled Calgary's home opener with a 4-2 victory and followed it up with a 3-2 win at their own Enterprise Center. Matt Coronato has been a consistent scorer for Calgary in these encounters.
Fun Fact
Tonight, the Flames will don their home red sweaters for the first time in six weeks. Their last appearance in red was a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on February 4th. In 26 games this season wearing red, Calgary has a 12-11-4 record.
Rising Stars: Future Watch
Calgary’s prospects are making waves. Tyson Gross, fresh off his junior season at St.
Cloud State, was named NCHC Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Cole Reschny, the Flames' top draft pick last year, earned NCHC Rookie of the Year honors, tallying 34 points in 33 games for North Dakota.
Players to Keep an Eye On
Flames - Matvei Gridin: Gridin is coming off a strong performance in Detroit, assisting on a goal and helping his line contribute both of Calgary’s tallies. The young forward is part of a promising group from the 2024 NHL Draft making an early impact.
Blues - Jimmy Snuggerud: The rookie sensation was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week, with three goals and six points over four games. Snuggerud has been clutch, leading the team with four game-winning goals and ranking fourth among rookie point leaders this season.
The stage is set at the Saddledome, and the Flames are ready to make the most of their time at home. Let the games begin!