Flames Face Blackhawks in Chicago as Huberdeau Stays Hot

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Calgary Flames kick off a four-game road trip tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center, with puck drop scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT. The Flames, riding a two-game winning streak, will look to continue their momentum behind the red-hot play of Jonathan Huberdeau, who has scored 10 goals in his last 14 games.

Huberdeau, who netted the game-winning goal in Calgary’s 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, has been a key offensive force for the Flames. His recent performance includes 20 points in the last 20 games, including back-to-back game-winners. Teammate Matt Coronato also shined in the win, contributing a goal and an assist.

The Flames and Blackhawks last met on Dec. 21 in Calgary, where the Flames emerged victorious in a 6-4 thriller. Despite a late surge by Chicago, which saw them score three goals in the third period, Calgary held on thanks to an empty-net goal by captain Mikael Backlund. The Flames also defeated the Blackhawks 3-1 earlier in the season on Oct. 15.

Chicago, currently last in the Central Division with a 14-27-2 record, is struggling to find consistency. The Blackhawks have lost two straight games and are 2-8-0 in their last 10. Their most recent loss came against the Edmonton Oilers, where they squandered a 3-1 lead to fall 4-3. “We got away from our game,” said Blackhawks defenseman Alec Martinez. “Against a team like that, you’ve got to play a full 60 (minutes).”

Flames head coach Ryan Huska confirmed that rookie Rory Kerins will make his NHL debut tonight. Kerins, recently called up from the AHL‘s Calgary Wranglers, will look to make an immediate impact. Meanwhile, Chicago will rely on Connor Bedard, their standout rookie, who leads the team with 38 points in 43 games. Teuvo Teravainen, second in team scoring with 30 points, has also been a bright spot for the Blackhawks, tallying six points in his last five games.

Statistically, the Flames hold an edge in shot attempts (51.86% to 44.89%) and high-danger scoring chances (50.00% to 42.66%), while the Blackhawks boast a stronger penalty kill (82.9% to Calgary’s 70.8%). Calgary’s power play, ranked 18th in the league at 20.7%, will face a Chicago penalty kill ranked sixth.

Notable connections between the teams include Blackhawks defenseman T.J. Brodie, who was drafted by the Flames in 2008, and Chicago forward Taylor Hall, a Calgary native. Flames coach Ryan Huska also has a unique tie to the Blackhawks, having played his only NHL game against Calgary while with Chicago.

As the Flames aim to extend their winning streak, all eyes will be on Huberdeau and Coronato, who have been instrumental in Calgary’s recent success. For Chicago, Bedard and Teravainen will look to spark a much-needed turnaround.