Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 15th 2024
Preview and Prediction
The unexpected Calgary Flames will strive to maintain their unbeaten record when they welcome Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
The Flames have started the season with three consecutive victories, their most recent success coming against their provincial and division rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, on Sunday. Last season, they didn't achieve three consecutive wins until the middle of December.
"It's crucial to have a good start," forward Jonathan Huberdeau stated. "Last year, we found ourselves in a deep hole, so I believe that getting some solid wins and feeling confident about our performance is exactly what we needed."
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Calgary has been propelled by the impressive play of Huberdeau, as well as his linemates Anthony Mantha and Martin Pospisil. Huberdeau is tied for the team lead with five points (three goals, two assists) and leads the team in goals through three games. Pospisil also has five points (one goal, four assists) and Mantha has four (two goals, two assists).
"I think what makes our line successful is that we all bring something unique to the table, but it complements each other well," Mantha explained. "You have one of the best playmakers in the world on that line in Huby. And with Pospy, his work ethic is exceptional. ... I believe that creates space for everyone else on the ice."
Huberdeau is hoping to bounce back after a significant drop-off in his production in each of his first two seasons with the Flames, following his career-high 115-point output (30 goals, league-leading 85 assists) in 2021-22 with the Florida Panthers. He recorded 55 points (15 goals, 40 assists) in his first season in Calgary and 52 points (12 goals, 40 assists) last season.
"You just build off of that (start)," Huberdeau said after scoring two goals and two assists in Saturday's victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. "Having these types of nights boosts your confidence, and I just want to continue to improve from there."
The Blackhawks head to Calgary after securing their first win of the season on Saturday, defeating the Oilers 5-2. This came after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, giving Chicago points in consecutive games after losing their season opener.
"With our performance last year and how disappointed we were with that, we came into this year with the goal of improving," Bedard said. "And I know for (the Flames), a lot of people didn't have high expectations for them at the start of the year, but they have started off strong. It's only three games, so it's not a huge deal, but I'm sure they're very motivated going into each game, and so are we."
Bedard recorded a goal and two assists in the win against Edmonton, bringing his total to five points (one goal, four assists). He is tied for the team lead with Teuvo Teravainen, who also recorded four points (two goals, two assists) against the Oilers.
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After finishing second-to-last in the NHL in each of the past two seasons, the Blackhawks added depth and experience to their roster over the summer as they look to take a step forward.
"We can really frustrate teams and be a nuisance to play against," Bedard said. "I believe that will be our identity: playing a simple game. But we also have the skill to make plays when the opportunity arises."
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames Recap OCT 15TH 2024
The Calgary Flames tied a franchise record by winning their fourth consecutive game to open the season, defeating the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 on Tuesday.
Matt Coronato scored twice, Andrei Kuzmenko added a power-play goal and Dustin Wolf made 31 saves for the Flames, who matched their season-opening mark accomplished previously in 1993-94 and 2009-10.
Nick Foligno scored and Petr Mrazek made 23 saves for the Blackhawks, who fell to 1-2-1.
Both sides had a handful of chances in the first period, but neither could convert until late in the frame.
Coronato gave Calgary a 1-0 lead at 16:01. Rasmus Andersson's point shot bounced off the end boards, and Coronato collected it at the left side of the net and tried to stuff it in. His first attempt was snuffed by Chicago defenseman Alex Vlasic, but the forward stayed on the rebound to lift it into the net.
Foligno tied it 1-1 just 10 seconds later. The Blackhawks captain won a faceoff in the offensive zone back to Alec Martinez. Martinez quickly dished over to Seth Jones, whose point shot was tipped by Foligno driving by the front of the net.
Chicago pushed in the second, outshooting Calgary 8-1 by the midway point of the period, including a pair of short-handed chances. Jason Dickinson couldn't get a shot off in close after quick passing on the rush, and moments later, Wolf stopped Andreas Athanasiou alone in front.
Kuzmenko put the Flames back in front with a power-play tally at 13:32 of the second period when he tipped Jonathan Huberdeau's shot from above the left circle.
Both goalies had to be sharp in the early minutes of the third.
Wolf denied Connor Bedard's snap shot from along the goal line 40 seconds into the frame. Shortly thereafter, Huberdeau had a chance to put the Flames up by two, getting inside on a drive to the net, but he couldn't get a quality shot off, and Mrazek quickly covered.
Coronato scored an empty-net goal with 39 seconds remaining for the 3-1 final.