Flames vs Lightning: Battle of Stanley Cup Finalists

It's March 22nd. Welcome in. This is Calgary Flames News today, where your team meets AI.

I'm Cory with the story.

The Calgary Flames are riding a two-game win streak for the first time in a while,

and we'll try to make it three tonight when they host the Tampa Bay.

Lightning at the Saddle Dome.

The flames sit at 28 wins, 34 losses, and 7 overtime losses for 63 points,

while the lightning boasts 43 wins.

21 losses, and 4 overtime losses with 90 points.

Tampa Bay wrapped up a five-to-two win over Edmonton last night,

in a game that ended around 10-40 p.m. mountain time, then rushed here for this.

Back-to-back match-up. Flames' coach is expected to go with Devon Cooley in that,

continuing their goalie rotation with Dustin Wolf as backup.

Local kids Tyson Gross should make his NHL debut on the fourth line,

filling in for the injured Conor's Erie, who skipped morning skate.

Tampa Bay figures to star Jonas Joe Hanson, after Andrej Vasilevski played last night,

with the lightning dealing with some depth issues, but still, packing stars like Nikita Kuturov

and Braden Point. These teams have history from the 2004 Stanley Cup final,

and fans remember it well, with no love lost.

Calgary's been enjoying good vibes lately, but their stats lag behind Tampa's stronger

expected goal share and power play. The flames rank low in those areas, 23rd and expected goals,

for percentage at 48.7% and 31st on the power. Play at 15.8%.

Tampa Bay won their only other meeting this season, a 5-1 decision back in November in Florida.

This wonky schedule gives Calgary a shot if they push early and test the tired lightning defense.

Both sides have key absences, like Calgary's Jonathan Hiberdo and Tampa's Victor Headman.

Pugdrop is at 6 p.m., mountain time on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960.

The fan, so tune in as the flames chase more momentum against the top.

Contender.