Today we continue to fade the Flames. Calgary is in the middle of their longest road trip of the season, and tonight will mark their 3rd game in 4 nights. Both of the last two games have finished in ties, so players have played an extra two overtime periods over that time. Iginla's line has seen a ton of ice time, and their legs have to be feeling it, entering tonights contest. Shut down that line and the Flames dont have much of anything else. Calgary blew a 2 goal lead against the Panthers and are very upset that they let that extra point get away from them. Flames continue to work hard, but they will come up short of a playoffs spot in the end.
Unlike Calgary, the Lightning know they wont be making the playoffs, and are able to concentrate on playing the role of spoiler.They seem to be playing more loosely as a result. Tampa Bay has scored 9 goals in their last two games, and seeks their first 3 game unbeaten streak of the year. Khabibulin was sharp in a win earlier in the year Calgary. Look for him to have another big game, and for the rested home team to take advantage of the tired one-dimensional Flames. TAMPA pk -105