Flames at Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have relinquished their lead in the Pacific Division with just two wins in their last eight games (2-4-2). A visit from the Calgary Flames Friday could be just what Anaheim needs to get back on the winning track. Not only are the Ducks the lone team remaining without a regulation loss at home (9-0-1), but they have won their last 17 regular-season home games against Calgary.
The Flames have two wins in their last 10 games (2-6-2) as they struggle to keep pucks out of their net. Goaltender Reto Berra has started Calgary’s last seven contests, allowing at least three goals in six contests. The only team who has allowed more goals than the Flames (87) is the Edmonton Oilers, who have permitted 89 and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference.
TV: 4 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West, Prime Ticket
ABOUT THE FLAMES (8-12-4): Rookie Sean Monahan, who is tied for the team lead in goals with nine, was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hairline fracture in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Calgary also lost defenseman Dennis Wideman (broken hand) while Curtis Glencross hopes to be back on the ice next week as he recovers from a knee injury. Jiri Hudler leads the team with 16 assists and 23 points.
ABOUT THE DUCKS (17-7-3): Veteran Saku Koivu was cleared to resume contact drills after missing a month with a head injury and could return to Anaheim’s lineup Friday. Defenseman Francois Beauchemin has missed three games with and upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day. Captain Ryan Getzlaf leads the team with 28 points and has scored nine of his 13 goals at home.
OVERTIME
1. The last time Calgary won in Anaheim was Jan. 19, 2004.
2. Getzlaf has 32 points in 30 career games against Calgary.
3. The Flames have allowed 13 goals on 42 short-handed situations in road contests.