The Calgary Flames will have the services of Troy Brouwer Friday night against the visiting New Jersey Devils.
It’s good news for a home squad which is looking to extend a four-game win streak at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
It’s also good news for the depth of this hockey club which currently seems to be reliant on the production of one line — Matthew Tkachuk, Mikael Backlund, and Michael Frolik.
The Calgary Flames’ Mikael Backlund, centre, celebrates a goal against the Anaheim Ducks with teammates Michael Frolik, left and Matthew Tkachuk
Bringing back Brouwer allows the lines to be spread out as Johnny Gaudreau looks set to re-join Sam Bennett and Alex Chiasson. Meanwhile, Brouwer is likely to be reunited with Kris Versteeg and Sean Monahan.
Brouwer’s presence on the power-play is also an added dimension in the gritty areas of the ice and in front of the net.
Meanwhile, Netminder Chad Johnson gets the start for the Flames (23-19-2).
But despite an important Pacific Division match-up looming on Saturday night — Hockey Night in Canada’s marquee Battle of Alberta matchup — Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan stressed the importance of focusing on the task at hand.
“I’ve been on teams where you maybe look ahead to a divisional match-up of this kind . . . what people perceive to be a weightier game,” Gulutzan said. “I can tell with some of our friends out East and watching them that they’re a fast team and a really good forechecking team. We feel today’s game is going to be about the battles in front of each team’s net.
“They’re probably one of the best at not letting you get to their net as far as sealing out, keeping guys away, and they put a lot of pucks and bodies towards your net. They have a real simple approach to the game, which is effective. Their forecheck is a lot tougher than you think.”
The Devils did not skate on Friday after Thursday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Oilers.
As for Micheal Ferland, who suffered a lower-body injury and left during the second period of Wednesday’s 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, he is day-to-day.
Here is the projected lineup for tonight’s clash:
Lines:
Matthew Tkachuk-Mikael Backlund-Michael Frolik
Johnny Gaudreau-Sam Bennett-Alex Chiasson
Kris Versteeg-Sean Monahan-Troy Brouwer
Lance Bouma-Matt Stajan-Garnet Hathaway
Pairings:
Mark Giordano-Dougie Hamilton
TJ Brodie-Dennis Wideman
Jyrki Jokipakka-Deryk Engelland
Goalies:
Chad Johnson
Brian Elliott
Extras: D Brett Kulak, C Freddie Hamilton . . . LW Micheal Ferland (injured)