National Post (National Edition)
Battle atop the West
Five things to watch for as Winnipeg, Calgary lock horns
Minute-munching blue-liners Dustin Byfuglien versus Mark Giordano are going to play a big role in how Thursday’s all-canadian Jets-flames match is determined.
Calgary’s Giordano is a frontrunner for the Norris Trophy, with six goals and 35 points in 35 games this season. He’s also playing well defensively.
The Jets’ Byfuglien is also averaging nearly a point per game and has been very reliable in all three zones — leaving him in the conversation for Norris consideration, as well.
With the NHL’S Christmas break over, here are Five Things to watch for when Central Divisionleading Winnipeg (24-10-2) hosts Pacific Division-leading Calgary (22-12-3):
1 EXPLOSIVE TENDENCIES
The tilt features the top two teams in the Western Conference and is the second of three meetings between the clubs. In the first meeting, the Jets got a first-hand look at how explosive the Flames offence can be, with Calgary chasing goalie Connor Hellebuyck after erupting for five first-period goals. Through 37 games, the Flames have scored five goals in a period on four different occasions. Much like the Jets, the Flames never feel like they’re out of a game.
2 WHEELS UP
With his assist on the lone goal in the Jets’ 1-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, Jets captain Blake Wheeler has recorded at least one point in 13 of the past 15 games. He’s tied with Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche for the league lead in assists (43) and has recorded seven goals and 18 points in 18 career games against the Flames, so you can be sure he’ll warrant plenty of attention from the opposition.
3 MEN BEHIND THE MASKS
Goaltending is a factor in most games, but that first game coming out of the break — especially after the Boxing Day practice was eliminated in the collective bargaining agreement — often features a few more mistakes, and subsequently scoring chances, than normal. So Hellebuyck and David Rittich will need to be sharp. Hellebuyck has a little extra motivation in this one after being removed in the first period on Nov. 21, giving up three goals on nine shots. Rittich has been a pleasant surprise for the Flames this season, as he is 11-4-2 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 20 appearances (17 starts).
4 HAMMER TIME
St. Malo, Man., product Travis Hamonic is enjoying a solid season with the Flames. He’s got two goals and nine points in 27 games and is flourishing on the second pairing with Noah Hanifin. Hamonic is providing solid defensive play, leadership and he’s recorded 58 shots on goal from the point while averaging 20:37 of ice time in 29 games.
5 HERE’S JOHNNY
The Flames offence is led by dynamic winger Johnny Gaudreau, who is tied for seventh place in the NHL scoring derby with Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres. Gaudreau had two points in the last meeting against the Jets and has racked up six goals and 15 points in 12 career games against Winnipeg.