Ducks at Flames
The Anaheim Ducks attempt to move closer to a Pacific Division title when they visit the Calgary Flames on Friday. Anaheim, which already has clinched a playoff berth, sits atop the Pacific with 60 points - five more than both the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. The Ducks, who are 0-2-1 in their last three contests, are beginning a four-game road trip that includes back-to-back meetings with the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and Monday.
Calgary is seeking its fourth win in five games as it closes out the home portion of its schedule. The Flames, who begin a season-ending four-game road trip in Minnesota on Sunday, are a respectable 12-9-2 at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary complicated things for the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday as they posted a 3-2 victory behind two third-period goals by Steve Begin.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, KDOC (Anaheim), Rogers Sportsnet (Calgary)
ABOUT THE DUCKS (27-10-6): Teemu Selanne will be appearing in his 900th game as a Duck on Friday. The veteran right wing is the franchise leader in games played, goals (447), assists (513), points (960), power-play goals (178) and game-winning tallies (74). Wednesday's overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets saw defenseman Sami Vatanen and center David Steckel score their first goals of the season. Vatanen's tally was his first in four NHL games.
ABOUT THE FLAMES (17-22-4): Friday's game could be the last home contest of Miikka Kiprusoff's career as a Flame. The veteran goaltender told the team he would not report to a new club if he were dealt at the trade deadline and hinted toward retirement at the end of the season. Defenseman T.J. Brodie will be playing in his 100th career game Friday. Calgary signed defenseman John Ramage to an entry-level contract on Thursday. He is the son of former NHL blue-liner Rob Ramage, who played for the Flames from 1988-89.
OVERTIME
1. Calgary has scored three or more goals in each of its last four games.
2. Anaheim has dominated the all-time series of late, winning 20 of the last 28 contests.
3. The home team has captured five of the last six meetings between the clubs.
PREDICTION: Ducks 4, Flames 1