Blue Jackets at Flames
THE STORY: The Calgary Flames wasted an opportunity to gain valuable points on Friday when they fell to struggling provincial rival Edmonton. After succumbing to the NHL's 29th-ranked team, the host Flames will try their hand against the league-worst Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. Calgary sits two points behind San Jose and Phoenix for eighth place in the Western Conference.
TV: 8 p.m. FSOH, RSNC
ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (22-42-7): Although mathematically eliminated from postseason consideration, Columbus showed some grit in its 4-3 loss to Vancouver on Saturday. The result, however, was one that is all too familiar for the Blue Jackets as they lost their fourth in a row. Captain Rick Nash has been held off the scoresheet for six straight games, which ties his longest drought of his career. Nash has scored in two of the three meetings with Calgary this season.
ABOUT THE FLAMES (34-26-12): Jarome Iginla saw his eight-game point streak come to an end Friday's 3-1 loss. The captain, who had been scorching hot with eight goals and six assists during that stretch, scored in both regulation and the shootout during Calgary's 2-1 win over Columbus on Dec. 27. Miikka Kiprusoff preserved that victory with 27 saves to improve to 16-5-3 in his career versus the Blue Jackets. The 35-year-old Finn sat out Friday's tilt against the Oilers, but is expected to play on Sunday.
OVERTIME:
1. Columbus RW Derek Dorsett returned on Saturday after a four-game absence with an undisclosed illness. The fourth-liner had four shots and blocked three.
2. Mark Giordano has been contributing offensively for the Flames. The defenseman scored against Edmonton and has three goals and four assists in his last seven games.