Flames bench just got a whole lot shorter

The Calgary Flames are on a roll.

They’ve won their last four games, they’re 8-1-1 in the last 10, and have one of the most potent top lines in the National Hockey League.

But they’re about to face some adversity without their captain Mark Giordano, who was suspended two games on Friday for kneeing Mikko Koivu, and top-line centre Mikael Backlund, who suffered a concussion in Thursday’s 2-0 win over the Minnesota Wild.

They’re also without fourthliner Ryan Lomberg, who was also suspended for jumping Wild defender Matt Dumba, the player who laid out Backlund.

On top of those losses, the Flames are still without defenders Michael Stone (blood clot) and Juuso Valimaki (lower body) and forward Michael Frolik (lower body).

Losing their captain is big. Giordano has three goals and 26 assists and is second on the Flames with a plus-16 rating.

“Your captain is a huge part of your team,” said goaltender Mike Smith. “G’s the backbone of this team, and on any given night he’s our best player.”