Flames place captain Giordano on IR, claim Schlemko

The Calgary Flames have placed captain Mark Giordano on injured reserve, the Flames announced Sunday.

Giordano sustained an upper-body injury Wednesday in the Flames' 3-1 win against the New Jersey Devils after he was taken down by Devils forward Steve Bernier. Although he took part in pregame warm-ups, Giordano missed the game Friday against the New York Islanders.

Giordano's 48 points are tied with P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens) for tops among NHL defenseman. His average ice time of 25:10 per game is second on the Flames and 11th in the League.

In a corresponding move, the Flames claimed defenseman David Schlemko off waivers.

Calgary's 70 points are tied with the Los Angeles Kings for third place in the Pacific Division but three behind the Minnesota Wild for the second Western Conference wild-card spot into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.