Game Preview: Columbus Looks to Stay Hot in Calgary

The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently riding a three-game win streak and are looking to continue the high-energy play this evening when they take on the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Every CBJ fan remembers the brutal 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Flames earlier this season, but the Jackets have shown significant improvement then.

In the January 26 loss, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made fifty-six saves, while Calgary set a franchise record with sixty-two shots on the evening. Since that grueling loss, Columbus is 5-1, with their only loss coming to the league-leading Florida Panthers.

Calgary has made improvements of its own and is 6-1 since the January 26 meeting against Columbus. In that span of seven games, the Flames have beaten some rather impressive teams, including Toronto, and shutting out Vegas.

The Flames also completed a massive trade yesterday, solidifying their depth for a playoff push. Calgary acquired Tyler Toffoli from Montreal in exchange for Tyler Pitlick, a minor-league prospect, and two draft picks on Monday.

Calgary is on a six-game win streak right now and clearly has momentum – as does Columbus. These two improving and hot teams could be forces to be reckoned with when it comes to the playoffs – if they can keep up their winning ways.

Patrik Laine of the Blue Jackets has been outstanding in his last five games, scoring seven goals and earning ten points. Elvis Merzlikins will start in net for Columbus, allowing him the possibility for revenge after the 6-0 loss to Calgary earlier in the season. The Latvian net minder is on a three-game win streak of his own, giving up eight goals in his last three games and posting a .906 save percentage on the season.

The Flames are predicted to start Dan Vlader, their backup goaltender who has played in ten games this season, posting a .911 save percentage.

The puck will drop at 9 PM tonight in Calgary. The game can be found on Bally Sports Ohio.