Goalie Brian Elliott will make his first start for the Calgary Flames since a 2-1 overtime loss at the New York Islanders on Nov. 28. Elliott has lost his past seven starts and is 3-9-1 with a 3.31 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. "We wanted to get him back going," coach Glen Gulutzan told the Flames website. "Looking back at the Islander game where he played well for us and he got a little work in relief in one period ... It's time for him to get going." Elliott takes over for Chad Johnson, who allowed a combined eight goals in back-to-back home losses to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets after giving up nine during a six-game winning streak. "I've sensed a lot of hunger," Gulutzan said of Elliott. "For him, the character, we always talk about it, the work ethic never changed. It actually just kept pumping up the volume. He's done everything that a good pro would do in preparation for this game." The Flames play the first of 11 straight games against Western Conference opponents. They have won five in a row against the West, outscoring opponents 21-9.
