Calgary Flames vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Flames hope to awaken against champion Panthers

The Calgary Flames are set to host the Florida Panthers on Saturday, aiming to recover from their latest setback as the defending Stanley Cup champions continue their five-game western road trip.

Both teams are coming off tough losses. The Flames were routed 8-3 at home by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, while the Panthers suffered a 4-0 shutout in Vancouver against the Canucks.

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Calgary Flames: Refocusing on Home Ice

Flames head coach Ryan Huska described the blowout loss to Tampa Bay as “uncharacteristic” and emphasized the need for a sharper performance against a top-tier opponent like Florida.

“These are the nights you want to play in,” Huska said after Friday’s practice. “You get them one time in our building. They’re a very good team, and there’s a lot of familiarity there. It always makes for a fun night.”

Calgary, now 1-2-1 in its last four games, sits one point behind the Colorado Avalanche for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. With Saturday marking the second game in a five-game homestand, the Flames are determined to use this stretch to improve their playoff positioning heading into the holiday break.

Jonathan Huberdeau Leading the Charge

Jonathan Huberdeau, the Flames’ top scorer with 11 goals and 21 points, has been in stellar form. Riding a six-game point streak (four goals, five assists), Huberdeau has tallied a goal and an assist in each of his last two outings. His consistency will be vital if Calgary hopes to turn the tide.

Injury Concerns in Net

Goaltending remains a question mark for the Flames after Dan Vladar exited Thursday’s game with a lower-body injury. The Flames promoted Devin Cooley from their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, to back up Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom will likely shoulder a heavier workload as Calgary looks for defensive stability.

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Florida Panthers: Maintaining Dominance

The Panthers’ 4-0 loss in Vancouver ended their seven-game point streak (6-0-1) and handed them their first shutout of the season. Despite outshooting the Canucks 27-19, turnovers plagued Florida, with three of Vancouver’s goals coming off the rush.

“It’s very difficult to defend off a turnover because you’re in an attack position,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice explained. “Then, when you do turn the puck over, it’s very difficult to get to a defensive position.”

Panthers’ Offensive Powerhouses

Florida’s offense ranks among the NHL’s best, averaging 3.53 goals per game. The trio of Sam Reinhart (19 goals, 20 assists), Matthew Tkachuk (10 goals, 20 assists), and Aleksander Barkov (9 goals, 20 assists) leads the charge, each averaging more than a point per game.

Tkachuk, who spent six seasons with the Flames, has registered a goal and three assists in four games against his former team, adding intrigue to Saturday’s matchup.

Special Teams Efficiency

Florida’s power play is tied for fourth in the league with 26 goals, while Calgary’s penalty kill ranks near the bottom, allowing 27 goals and operating at just 70.7%. Staying out of the penalty box will be critical for the Flames if they hope to neutralize the Panthers’ lethal special teams unit.

Game Implications

Saturday’s contest offers both teams a chance to reset and regain momentum:

• For Calgary: A win could help solidify their wild-card bid in the Western Conference.
• For Florida: A victory would keep them tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs atop the Atlantic Division and strengthen their bid for a strong playoff position.

With both teams motivated and several key players in peak form, the clash promises to be a fast-paced, high-stakes battle.

What to Watch For

1. Huberdeau vs. Tkachuk: The former teammates-turned-opponents will be focal points for their respective teams.
2. Goaltending Matchup: Can Markstrom rise to the occasion for Calgary? Will Sergei Bobrovsky bounce back after Thursday’s loss?
3. Special Teams Battle: Florida’s power play against Calgary’s struggling penalty kill could decide the game.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. local time, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. The Flames are looking for redemption, while the Panthers aim to reassert their dominance.