5 THINGS - FLAMES VS. SHARKS

FLAMES (16-12-3: 35 pts) vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS (16-10-3: 35 pts)

1. US

The Flames have recorded a point in the last four games for the first time this season. This streak started on Dec. 6 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the Flames fell in a shootout. The Flames went on to win the next two games then fell to the Minnesota Wild in a shootout on Tuesday … This is the first tilt of a two-game homestand, with the Flames hosting the Nashville Predators Saturday night before flying to Vancouver after that contest to face the Canucks Sunday night.

2. THEM

Brent Burns scored twice against his former team and San Jose dug out of a three-goal hole but fell 4-3 in overtime to the Wild on Dec. 10 at home . It was the third time in a week the Sharks had to battle back from a three-goal deficit in a game … San Jose is 3-3 in the month of December, but 1-2 on the road.

3. US vs. THEM

These two teams played five times last season with the Flames coming out on top with a record of 3-2-0 … The Flames are 5-4-1-0 (Goals For: 30, Goals Against: 32) in their last 10 games against the Sharks … The Flames are currently 5-3-0 against Pacific Division opponents this season.

4. THIS, THAT & THE OTHER

THIS: Last year's Flames-Sharks series was dominated by then rookie Matthew Tkachuk, who ended the season-series with seven points (3G, 4A) ... THAT: The Flames have outshot their opponents in six of the last seven games. The Flames have outshot the competition 270-194 over that span and have picked up a point in four of those six games. Dougie Hamilton leads the way for the Flames in the shot department with 96 this season ... THE OTHER:The Flames are 31 of 35 (88.6%) on the penalty-kill over the last 13 games and have only allowed one powerplay goal in the last four games. Calgary is tied for first in the NHL on the PK from Nov. 20 to now (29/32 - 90.62%, tied with Florida).

5. PLAYERS TO WATCH

Flames: LW Micheal Ferland
Ferland scored the lone goal in Calgary's 2-1 shootout loss to the Wild on Tuesday, courtesy of a blistering howitzer from the point. He almost notched the winner when he clanged one off the crossbar in the third period. He has 12 goals and 17 points in 30 games this season.
Sharks: D Brent Burns
Known for his big beard, outgoing personality and penchant for scoring goals, Burns got off to a slow start this season - by his standards - but scored twice in his team's last game and has three goals and six points in his last three games. In total, he has posted all four of his goals this season and 11 of his 18 points since Nov. 22.