Flames' Projected Lineup & Notes Against Blackhawks - 1.13.25

Flames’ Projected Lineup & Notes Against Blackhawks – 1.13.25

The Calgary Flames (20-14-7) kick off their week-long road trip with a visit to the United Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Amazon Prime.

The Flames are looking to sweep the season series against Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks, having won the previous games 3-1 (Oct. 15) and 6-4 (Dec. 21). Tonight could mark the first three-game sweep of the Original Six franchise for Calgary since 2021-22.

The Flames defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 at the Saddledome on Saturday night, while the Blackhawks recently lost to the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, blowing 2-0 and 3-1 leads on Saturday.

The Flames are 5-3-2 in their last ten, while the Blackhawks are 2-8-0. The two clubs are separated by 17 points in the Western Conference standings.

Between the Pipes

Thanks to his outstanding play lately, Flames netminder Dustin Wolf is pushing himself into the Calder Trophy race as rookie of the year. Despite a 3-4-1 road record, the 23-year-old is now 14-6-2, and the only rookie goalie with more than ten wins this season.

Meanwhile, Wolf is undefeated in his career against Chicago, with a 2-0-0 record, 2.51 GAA, and .917 SV%. Tonight will be his third contest against the club, the second most games against an opponent, trailing the San Jose Sharks (five games).

According to NHL.com, the Blackhawks are rolling with Petr Mrazek in goal. His record this season is 8-15-1 with a 3.17 GAA and .895 SV%. He’s played both games against Calgary this season, going 0-2-0 with a 3.63 GAA and .873 SV%.

Surprisingly, Mrazek has a winning record against the Flames, going 6-5-2 in 13 games with much better statistics: 2.72 GAA and .912 SV%.

Conversation Starters

Rory Kerins will make his NHL debut on Monday, becoming the first Flames player since Adam Klapka (Jan. 20, 2024) to skate a rookie lap. Can he become the first Calgary player since Martin Pospisil (Nov. 4, 2023) to score his debut?
Jonathan Huberdeau can tie a Flames record if he can score the game-winner for the third consecutive contest. The record is three games shared by three players: Elias Lindholm, Sean Monahan, and Al MacInnis.
Ryan Lomberg has fought in four bouts since returning from the Christmas break. Those bouts are great for the home crowd, but will he get into a fight in enemy territory?