National Post (National Edition)
Rittich faces tall task against Avs’ MacKinnon
Calgary goaltender David Rittich is facing an Everest-sized challenge when the Flames try to chill Avalanche sniper Nathan MacKinnon when the clubs face off in Denver on Saturday night.
Rittich will, of course, want to stop the shots from every one of the hosts in his first start of the season, but there’s no doubt MacKinnon is Colorado’s top threat.
A Hart Trophy nominee last season, the speedy star from Sidney Crosby’s hometown of Cole Harbour, N.S., has now racked up five goals in four outings this fall.
Rittich, usually the backup to Mike Smith, stopped all eight attempts in 20 minutes of mop-up work in St. Louis.
Here are 5 Things to Watch for when Colorado (3-1-0) host Calgary (2-2-0):
1.
Matching Mats?
MacKinnon is riding a four-game goal-scoring spree and can log his name in the club history books with a snipe against the Flames. The franchise record for the longest lamp-lighting streak to start a new season is five straight dates, set by Hockey Hall of Famer Mats Sundin back in the Quebec Nordiques era.
2.
Backlund banged up?
Flames centre Mikael Backlund was M.I.A. for Friday’s practice in the Mile High City, with bench boss Bill Peters characterizing it as a “maintenance day” and telling reporters he is optimistic No. 11 will be ready to roll against the Avalanche.
3.
Home on high note?
The flight home always seems a little smoother after a victory. The Flames accomplished a whole lot of good in Tuesday’s 3-0 shutout of the Nashville Predators, but then stunk for the first halfhour of game action in St. Louis en route to a 5-3 loss to the Blues.
4.
First of many?
Free-agent signings James Neal and Derek Ryan both tickled twine against the Blues, each scoring their first in the Flaming C. The crew from Calgary needs more of that, especially from the 31-year-old Neal. Thursday was also a memorable night for rookie Dillon Dube, who earned his first NHL point.
5.
Going streaking
MacKinnon isn’t the only guy on an offensive tear for the Avalanche. His left-wing sidekick, Mikko Rantanen, has hit the scoresheet in every contest so far and currently tops his team with seven points.