In an early-season clash, the Calgary Flames (2-2-1, 3rd in Pacific Division) aim to rebound from their recent setback as they skate into Little Caesars Arena to battle the Detroit Red Wings (3-1, 3rd in Atlantic Division). While the Flames are trying to find their groove after losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Red Wings are flying high with a recent win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Flames Trying to Light It Up

The Calgary Flames have a 2-2-1 record that barely scratches the surface of their potential. Their recent 3-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets exposed a lack of offensive depth. Despite Elias Lindholm’s strong play thus far, leading the Flames in goals (2), assists (4), and points (6), the team has been inconsistent in scoring. A major concern is their power play, currently converting at a subpar 16.7%. This inefficiency could spell trouble against a Red Wings team that boasts a formidable power play unit. It’s not just about Lindholm; the Flames need contributions from other players besides Lindholm,  Andrew Mangiapane and Adam Ruzicka, who have also netted 2 goals apiece.

In goal, Jacob Markstrom is solid but can’t be the sole savior of the team. Markstrom has logged a goals-against average of 2.75 and a save percentage of .905. In the loss to the Blue Jackets, Markstrom made 23 saves but lacked the goal support to secure a win. The defense in front of him needs to tighten up, especially around the crease. Despite these challenges, Calgary has a beacon of hope in its penalty kill, which stands at an impressive 94.1%. 

The Flames’ recent history shows a team that’s hot and cold. Their last five games consist of two wins and three losses, lacking a stable form. Their goals-against record ranks them at 25th in the league, further emphasizing the need for defensive solidity. As they prepare to face a high-flying Detroit offense, Calgary’s strategy needs to incorporate disciplined defense and more contributions from the second and third lines. The penalty kill unit, one of the best in the league, will look to neutralize a very strong Detroit power play.

Red Wings Soaring High

The Detroit Red Wings have hit the ground running this season with a 3-1 record, displaying promising signs of being a playoff contender. Their recent 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins served as an offensive clinic, primarily driven by Alex DeBrincat, who has already tallied 5 goals and 3 assists. Alongside him, Dylan Larkin has contributed a balanced output with 1 goal and 5 assists. However, what sets Detroit apart is their power play, currently converting at an almost unbelievable rate of 46.2%. 

In the goaltending department, Ville Husso has been the first choice but his performance has been a mixed bag. Husso holds a goals-against average of 3.37 and a save percentage of .881, numbers that leave room for improvement. However, the Red Wings’ defense has been doing just enough to keep them in games, allowing Husso to gain confidence between the pipes. Meanwhile, James Reimer made a statement in his lone appearance, recording a shutout with a save percentage of 1.000. This creates a healthy competition for the starting spot, something that can only benefit Detroit as the season progresses.

The Red Wings’ recent form indicates an upward trajectory. Winning three of their last four games, Detroit has shown it can be lethal, especially on the power play. They currently rank second in the league in goals for and first in power play percentage, an offensive combination that few teams can match. However, they rank just 12th in penalty killing, an aspect they need to improve upon as they go deeper into the season. 

David’s Pick – Calgary Flames (-116)

While the Red Wings have been offensively dominant in the early season, their defensive game and goaltending leave something to be desired. On the flip side, the Flames have shown they can shut down teams with their penalty kill, and if they can get their power play clicking, they could pose a real threat. Jacob Markstrom is a seasoned goalie who can steal a game on any given night. Given the Flames’ need to rebound from their recent loss and their solid penalty kill, I’m taking the Calgary Flames as the underdog in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup.