FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. OFFENCE FLICKERS:

Flames, averaging 2.32 goals per game, are slotted No. 26 in the NHL. Power play, too, is 26th. Having scored only 13 times in the past eight dates, they are 1-5-2. “We’ve been working on screens in front of the net, getting a little dirtier,” C Mikael Backlund said. “That’s how you score goals in this league. It’s something we got away from a little bit. We’ve just got to keep pushing.”

2. SHUT-DOWN CENTRE:

Lost in the latest offensive sputtering had been Backlund’s headto-head work against C Claude Giroux, who arrived in Calgary on a nine-game point streak. Philadelphia’s talented pivot was held off the scoresheet here.

3. ABOUT THE BOLTS:

Even without the high-octane services of C Steven Stamkos, Bolts are sailing along — third in the Eastern Conference, 7-2-1 in its last 10 (including Wednesday’s 4-2 triumph at Vancouver) ... Offence is 12th-ranked. Defence, sixth ... Power play 20th. Penalty killing, 12th.

4. 2004 STANLEY CUP REMATCH:

After their seven-game championship series, Flames and Bolts have met a half-dozen times in the regular season. Tampa has won four of the dates, three in overtime.

5. INS, OUTS, WHAT-HAVE-YOUS:

D Chris Breen, having cleared waivers, has been shipped to AHL Abbotsford ... G Karri Ramo (6-63, 2.79 GAA, .904) gets the start.