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 (November 15) and 4-3 (December 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 to town after a 3-0 shutout victory over the Vancouver Canucks Friday.
Tonight is a great opportunity for the Flames to overtake an inactive Canucks team and reclaim the second wild card spot in the Western Conference with a victory over the Predators, who come to town as the seventh-ranked team in the division central.
Between the pipes
Dustin Wolf is back in front of the posts for his second career start against Nashville. Previously, he helped guide the Flames to a 2-0 victory and never gave up a goal to the organization.
With a 10-1-1 record at the Saddledome, Wolf has the fifth most home wins and is tied with Anthony Stolarz (Toronto) for the best save percentage among goaltenders who have played at least ten home matches.
Considering Juuse Saros blanked the Canucks on Friday, Justus Annunen will get the call in Calgary. He is 2-2-0 since joining the Predators on November 30. His overall record in 2024-25 is 8-6-0 with an SV% of 0.891 and a GAA of 3.01. In one career game against the Flames, Annunen is undefeated with just two goals allowed.
Conversation Starters
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Connor Zary scored in consecutive games for the fourth time in his career. Can the 23-year-old break the glass ceiling and find the back of the net for the third game in a row?
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Jonathan Huberdeau did not score any points Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club. The Flames are now 6-8-2 when their top scorer doesn’t score.
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The Flames have allowed a power play goal in five straight games, the longest streak of the season. Nashville ranks 21st in power play in the NHL and has only five power play goals in the last 18 games.
Where are they now?
Rulers of Flames and Predators
According to Flames staff at NHL.comHere’s a preview of tonight’s lineup. (Subject to change)
BEFORE
Jonathan Huberdeau — Nazem Kadri — Martin Pospisil
Blake Coleman — Mikael Backlund — Matt Coronato
Egor Sharangovich — Connor Zary — Jacob Pelletier
Ryan Lomberg — Kevin Rooney — Andrei Kuzmenko
DEFENSE
Joel Hanley -Mackenzie Weegar
GOALKEEPERS
Dustin Wolf
Dan Vladar
GROOVES
Daniel Miromanov, Tyson BarrieWalker Dühr
Tonight’s game is available on FDSNSO, SN1, City, SNW and Sportsnet+. Puck drops at 8 p.m. MT.
