FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

WHAT ABOUT BRODIE?

TJ Brodie has arguably been the Flames' MVP this season and head coach Bob Hartley was hoping for good news after the top- pairing defenceman suffered a lower- body injury against the Hurricanes. Brodie, who was in obvious pain after blocking a shot, is questionable for Friday's clash. “We're just waiting on results,” Hartley said. “I feel pretty good, but obviously there's no diplomas on my wall.”

PULLING UP THE REAR

Heading into Thursday's late clash with the Canucks in Vancouver, the Blue Jackets were running dead last in the NHL standings. Unlike the Flames, who have still have hope of climbing into a playoff post in the Pacific Division, the Blue Jackets are already in next- year country.

PAIN BETWEEN THE PIPES

It's been a rough winter for the Blue Jackets' masked men, and we're not just saying that because they're surrendering more goals per game than any other team. Usual starter Sergei Bobrovsky ( groin) and former Flames backup Curtis McElhinney ( ankle) are sidelined, with rookie Joonas Korpisalo currently carrying the load.

SADDLEDOME SUCCESSES

The Blue Jackets might be excited to get to Cowtown, and not just so head coach John Tortorella can brunch with his longtime adversary, Bob Hartley. The crew from Columbus is riding a five- game winning streak at the Saddledome, working overtime or a shootout for four of those triumphs.

LAST TIME THEY MET

The Flames paid a visit to Columbus just two weeks back, doubling up the Blue Jackets by a 4- 2 count for what turned out to be their only win on a five- game sojourn. Flames LW Sam Bennett potted a pair that night, but the rookie has been blanked in four skates since.