Flames Seek Redemption Against Senators Amid Struggles on Special Teams
The Calgary Flames are set to visit Canada’s capital tonight, taking on the Ottawa Senators in what’s shaping up to be an intriguing matchup between two teams looking to regain balance early in the season. Calgary, holding a tough 2-8-1 record, is desperate to find some rhythm, while the Senators, sitting at 5-5-1, are eager to climb back above .500 on home ice.
Now, what makes this game particularly interesting is how both teams have struggled in nearly the same areas — penalty kills and defensive lapses. Calgary has given up the second-most goals on the penalty kill, allowing 11 so far this season, while Ottawa tops that list with 12. That means tonight’s game could very well be decided by who manages to stay out of the box — or, more importantly, who capitalizes when the other team doesn’t.
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For the Flames, head coach Ryan Huska confirmed that goalie Devin Cooley will get the start, marking only his second appearance this season. It’s a big test for the young netminder, especially considering that Ottawa’s offense has been lethal in high-danger scoring chances. The Senators are currently among the league’s best in converting those close-range opportunities, ranking sixth in high-danger shooting percentage at 22.86%. In other words, Cooley’s night won’t be easy.
On the other end, Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark will get the nod between the pipes. The Swedish veteran has struggled early on, carrying a 3.44 goals-against average and a .858 save percentage through nine starts. That’s exactly where Calgary needs to strike — apply pressure, create traffic, and take every shot possible. The Flames may rank 16th in even-strength ice time, but they’re sixth in total shots. The issue? Turning those shots into quality scoring chances. So if they can translate volume into precision tonight, they could finally break through.
As for lineups, the Flames are expected to roll with Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Morgan Frost on the top line, while Connor Zary, Yegor Sharangovich, and Joel Farabee add speed to the second unit. Ottawa will once again rely on Tim Stützle centering the top line alongside Nick Cousins and Drake Batherson, while veteran Claude Giroux brings experience on the third line.
Both teams are dealing with key absences — Calgary’s Martin Pospisil remains out with an undisclosed injury, and Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk is sidelined following thumb surgery.
So, here’s the bottom line: two struggling penalty-kill units, two goalies trying to prove themselves, and two teams desperate to turn their seasons around. Discipline will likely decide this one. If Calgary can stay aggressive yet composed — and finally make their power play count — they might just find the spark they’ve been missing.
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