Flames' Projected Lineup & Notes Against Predators - 1.4.25

Flames’ Projected Lineup & Notes Against Predators – 1.4.25

The Calgary Flames (18-13-7) will look to sweep the season series against the Nashville Predators (12-20-7) tonight at the Scotiabank Saddledome. In the previous two meetings, Calgary emerged victorious 2-0 (Nov. 15) and 4-3 (Dec. 10).

Heading into Saturday, the Flames are coming off a disappointing 5-3 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday, and the Predators are coming into town off a 3-0 shutout win over Vancouver Canucks on Friday.

Tonight is an excellent opportunity for the Flames to leapfrog an idle Canucks team and reclaim the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference with a victory over the Predators, who come into town as the seventh-ranked team in the Central Division.

Between the Pipes

Dustin Wolf is back between the pipes in his second career start against Nashville. Previously, he backstopped the Flames to a 2-0 win and has never surrendered a goal to the organization.

Thanks to a 10-1-1 record at the Saddledome, Wolf has the fifth most wins on home ice and is tied with Anthony Stolarz (Toronto) with the best save percentage among goalies who have played at least ten home games.

Considering that Juuse Saros shut out the Canucks on Friday, Justus Annunen will get the call in Calgary. He’s 2-2-0 since joining the Predators on Nov. 30. His overall record in 2024-25 is 8-6-0 with a .891 SV% and 3.01 GAA. In one career game against the Flames, Annunen is undefeated with just two goals against.

Conversation Starters

Connor Zary has scored in back-to-back games for the fourth time in his career. Can the 23-year-old break through the glass ceiling and find the back of the net for the third straight game?
Jonathan Huberdeau scored no points on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club. The Flames are now 6-8-2 when their leading scorer doesn’t score.
The Flames have given up a powerplay goal in five straight games, the longest stretch of the season. Nashville has the 21st-ranked powerplay in the NHL and only has five man-advantage goals in the past 18 games.