Flames at Canucks
THE STORY: The Calgary Flames made the most of their brief return to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Now they head right back on the road, kicking off an unyielding seven-game trek Friday night against the formidable Vancouver Canucks. With the World Junior Hockey Championships invading Alberta until the New Year, Calgary finds itself in the midst of a stretch that will see the club play 11 of 13 games on the road. The Flames went 0-2-2 over last week's four-game trip, and now has to deal with being away from home until Jan. 7. At least Calgary comes in on a winning note, earning consecutive one-goal home victories over Minnesota and Detroit to give Flames fans something to celebrate. The Canucks have looked sensational during a three-game winning streak that has moved the team to within a point of the reeling Wild atop the Northwest Division. This is the third meeting between the clubs this season.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet West, Rogers Sportsnet Pacific
ABOUT THE FLAMES (16-15-4): It has taken longer than expected, but Calgary captain Jarome Iginla is finally within striking distance of the 500-goal plateau. Iginla was ice-cold to start the campaign but has six goals in his last nine games, including the 497th of his career in Tuesday's win over Minnesota. The 34-year-old has had a season's worth of showdowns against Vancouver, scoring 27 goals and adding 41 assists in 82 career games.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (21-11-2): The winners of the last two NHL scoring titles are at it again, battling each other for top spot as the season approaches the holiday break. Henrik Sedin sits second in the league with 40 points, three back of overall leader Claude Giroux. Twin brother Daniel is right behind with 39 points. The two have been sensational in December, with Henrik racking up 16 points in 10 games and Daniel recording 12 points in nine contests.
OVERTIME:
1. Vancouver has a pair of 5-1 victories over Calgary already this season – one at Rogers Arena, the other at Scotiabank Saddledome.
2. The Flames aren't the only ones being chased out of their own arena. The rival Edmonton Oilers also embark on a seven-game road trip after the break.
3. Vancouver is on a 12-2-1 run since Nov. 20.