PREMIUM
Rogers' 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY >> 4-0 SWEEP on Tuesday! 85-62-1 L148!
(NHL) Calgary vs. Buffalo,
Money Line: -148.00 Calgary (Away)
Result: Win
Money Line: -148.00 Calgary (Away)
Result: Win
The set-up: The 32-25-10 Calgary Flames have 74 points and remain in the playoff hunt, just three points back of the West's final wild card spot. The Flames erased an early two-goal deficit before falling in overtime at two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh on Monday, but did salvage a point in the OT loss. Calgary has dropped three straight away from home to tumble into fifth place in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Western Conference with 15 games remaining. Calgary needs to end a four-game losing streak (0-3-1) tonight, when it resumes a three-game road trip at the Buffalo Sabres. The 21-34-11 Sabres are mired in last place in the East and the team's 53 points is better than only the Coyotes' 51 points, out West. However, Buffalo has won three of its last four, knocking off the top-three teams in the Atlantic Division in that span.
Calgary: The Flames have dropped nine of 11 since an injury to starting goaltender Mike Smith. They got a boost on Tuesday when Smith returned to practice after missing time with a lower-body injury, although he was unable to provide a timetable for his return to the lineup. He will remain a spectator as the Flames go with the rookie tandem of David Rittich and Jon Gillies. Johnny Gaudreau leads the Flames in scoring with 74 points (20 goals, 54 assists).
Buffalo: The Sabres had one of their better efforts of the season in a 5-3 victory over the Maple Leafs on Monday. They were in control throughout the game and received an outstanding performance from backup goalie Chad Johnson (38 saves / .927 SP). Sam Reinhart was one of four Buffalo players with a goal and an assist in Monday's win, as he continued his second-half revival. Since returning from the team's bye week in mid-January, Reinhart has amassed 23 points in 22 games after collecting 13 through the first 44 contests. Center Jack Eichel leads the team in goals (21) and points (53).
The pick: Despite Buffalo's "mini-resurgence" (see above), the Sabres remain a poor 10-18-4 on home ice, where they are allowing 3.19 GPG. In contrast, the Flames are an impressive 18-10-6 on the road on the season. Make Calgary a 10* play.
Calgary: The Flames have dropped nine of 11 since an injury to starting goaltender Mike Smith. They got a boost on Tuesday when Smith returned to practice after missing time with a lower-body injury, although he was unable to provide a timetable for his return to the lineup. He will remain a spectator as the Flames go with the rookie tandem of David Rittich and Jon Gillies. Johnny Gaudreau leads the Flames in scoring with 74 points (20 goals, 54 assists).
Buffalo: The Sabres had one of their better efforts of the season in a 5-3 victory over the Maple Leafs on Monday. They were in control throughout the game and received an outstanding performance from backup goalie Chad Johnson (38 saves / .927 SP). Sam Reinhart was one of four Buffalo players with a goal and an assist in Monday's win, as he continued his second-half revival. Since returning from the team's bye week in mid-January, Reinhart has amassed 23 points in 22 games after collecting 13 through the first 44 contests. Center Jack Eichel leads the team in goals (21) and points (53).
The pick: Despite Buffalo's "mini-resurgence" (see above), the Sabres remain a poor 10-18-4 on home ice, where they are allowing 3.19 GPG. In contrast, the Flames are an impressive 18-10-6 on the road on the season. Make Calgary a 10* play.
