CALGARY, AB - On Tuesday in Vancouver, Pavel Zacha was injured early on and skated slowly off the ice with what head coach Lindy Ruff said was an upper body injury. After the game, Ruff said that Zacha was doubtful for tonight in Calgary and he confirmed that hours before puck drop.
"Pav will be out for tonight," said Ruff.
Another question mark was Andreas Johnsson, who took a vicious high stick late in the second period.
"It took some stitches but he was able to finish the game," Ruff said of Johnsson, adding that he will play tonight.
Nico Daws started Tuesday's game but midway through was replaced between the pipes by Jon Gillies. That left the question of who would play tonight. Ruff confirmed it would be Daws.
"Nico has been good for us. Had a little bit of a rough night. He's been able to bounce back before and we're hoping he can bounce back tonight," Ruff noted, adding that the mental strength in Daws' game makes him confident that he will have a good performance tonight.
"He can put away what has just happened. As a goaltender, that's a good quality to have. Not every night is your night. Not every night do you get the right bounce. When he plays his best game for us, he gives us a chance to win."
The other question was Jonas Siegenthaler, who did not play Tuesday due to a non-COVID illness. Ruff said that he'll be a game-time decision again tonight.
"He's going to go out for warm-up. As long as things go well for warm-up and he's okay, there's a chance he can play."
TOUGH TEST
The Flames are one of the best clubs in the NHL in all aspects. Ruff was asked what makes them so good.
"Sustained pressure. They're very good defensively. To get inside there, get some separation, some offensive zone time. Last game we played them, it was a struggle. They finished plays quickly.
"Our puck movement has to be good."
PREVIEW
DEVILS (22-33-5) AT FLAMES (36-16-7)
TV:10:00 PM ET; Televised on MSG+
Head-to-Head
This is the second meeting of the season between the Devils and Flames. The Flames won 5-3 back in October as Andrew Mangiapane scored two goals.
Devils Team Scope
After winning three of four on home ice, the Devils dropped a 6-3 decision on Tuesday to the Vancouver Canucks to open a three-game road trip through Western Canada.
Yegor Sharangovich had a goal and an assist on Tuesday in Vancouver, giving him 14 goals and 32 points on the season through 54 games. Last season, Sharangovich had 17 goals and 30 points in 54 contests. He ranks sixth on the team in scoring, behind Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer and Damon Severson.
Flames Team Scope
Calgary has been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since the all-star break. In 17 games, they have a record of 13-3-1 for 27 points which leads the league.
The Flames are first in the Pacific Division, five points clear of the Los Angeles Kings.
Leading the Flames in scoring is Johnny Gaudreau, who has 78 points (26 goals). Matthew Tkachuk is second with 68 points (27 goals).
By the Numbers
The Flames, as mentioned, have the best record in the NHL since the all-star break. They also have allowed the least numbers of goals (2.29 per game) while also scoring the third most (4.00 per game). The Devils are seventh in the NHL in goals per game since the break at 3.37.
Since the all-star break, Jack Hughes is sixth in the NHL in points per game at 1.58, tied with Jonathan Huberdeau. Leading the Flames in that category is Elias LIndholm at 10th (1.47).
Lindholm and Gaudreau rank second and thrid in the NHL in plus-minus at +45 and +43 respectively.
Injury Updates:
Devils
Mackenzie Blackwood (heel)
Jonathan Bernier (hip)
Tyce Thompson (shoulder)
Miles Wood (hip)
Janne Kuokkanen (wrist)
Jonas Siegenthaler (non-COVID illness)
Pavel Zacha (upper body)
Flames
Oliver Kylington (lower body)
