Game Day Preview: The Calgary Flames vs The Los Angeles Kings

Calgary Flames center Jonathan Huberdeau (10) scores a goal against Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) during the second period of their game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Calgary. (Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

The Calgary Flames (40-27-14) will travel to the City of Angels to face the Los Angeles Kings (48-24-9) for their final regular-season game.

This game was originally scheduled for Jan. 8, but was postponed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.

With the playoff pursuit now over, the Flames are expected to set shape their future by suiting up Zayne Parekh, Sam Morton, Hunter Brzustewicz and Aydar Suniev for their debuts against L.A. Full article on these skaters here.

The Kings on the hand have already qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are slated to face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. Several of their top players have been listed as day-to-day including defensemen Drew Doughty, Joel Edmundson, Mikey Anderson, center Anze Kopitar, wings Quinton Byfield and Tanner Jeannot.  It will not be a surprise to see them not in action, in hopes of being rested and ready for the post-season.

HEADS 2 HEAD

At even-strength, Calgary’s save percentage is the third-highest against Los Angeles. They average 30.5 shots on goal per game against the Flames, which is the ninth in the league. The Kings’ power play is ranked tenth based on the performance of the last 30 days. With L.A. not being at full strength, expect those numbers to be different.

Dustin Wolf is expected to suit up for his ninth-consecutive game and to his relief, his final of an outstanding season.

Meanwhile, the Kings’ save percentage is the fifth-best against the Flames of all teams. However, Calgary averages a league-low 23 shots on goals per game to L.A. Both those numbers could look also look different with a younger Flames lineup. It will also be interesting to see how the power play turns out. Before a rare two-power-play-goal night against Vegas on Tuesday, the Flames were 3-for-20 in the man-advantage.

TALE OF THE TAPE (SKATERS)

Source: Natural Stat Trick

TALE OF THE TAPE (GOALIES)

Source: Natural Stat Trick

Puck drops at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles tonight at 7:30 MT/9:30 ET.

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