Game Primer: Seeking redemption

Following a 12-3-0 stretch, Calgary has dropped five of their last six games and four straight on the road. They look to avoid a fifth straight loss in game two of their three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Thursday night.

After last night’s 3-2 OT loss, the Flames has now lost eight straight in Anaheim—the longest active road losing streak by any team against a single opponent. Todd Bertuzzi and Curtis Glencross scored the two goals, and Miikka Kiprusoff made an impressive 37 saves. They did pick up an overtime point which is essential to remain in first in the Northwest after Minnesota and Edmonton claimed victories in their Wednesday night contests.

The Flames have outscored the Kings 43-26 and have won their last four. If the team can focus on reducing the amount of scoring chances and penalties, they can clinch another win over LA.

The Kings has made a recent comeback and are coming from a surprisingly successful 4-1-0 road trip. They defeated two of the top eastern teams, New Jersey and Washington, and had wins over Ottawa and Long Island. A large part of their success has come from goaltender Jonathan Quick who is red-hot with seven wins in his last eight starts. He will most likely be Kipper’s opposition in net.

A playoff spot could be on the horizon for the Kings as they’re only two points out of the eighth place spot and four from fifth place with 30 games left on their schedule. LA hasn’t been in the playoffs since the 2001-02 season.

Former King Mike Cammalleri leads the Flames with 28 goals. He has a goal and an assist against his former team.

The last time these two teams met was twice in November and Calgary won both contests including a home game on November 25 and at Staples Center, November 1.

The Flames have one more road game on Saturday against the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale before they head home.

For the Flames…

Bourque

Rene Bourque had his first two-goal game against LA on November 25. In December he picked up 11 points and eight in January. He's slowly picking up again with two goals in the last two games against Colorado, a goal and an assist in Monday's matchup and he picked up a helper off of Glencross' goal in last night's game.

For the Kings...

Kopitar

Anze Kopitar was a bit of a sleeper at the beginning of the season, but has picked up recently tallying five goals and ten points in his last nine games. He has 16 goals so far and leads the Kings with 27 assists and 43 points.

Todd Bertuzzi needs three power play goals for 100
Craig Conroy needs one game for 900
Jarome Iginla needs six goals for 400 and three points to pass MacInnis for 2nd on Flames all time
Miikka Kiprusoff needs ten wins for 200
Daymond Langkow needs six points for 600
Matthew Lombardi needs two assists for 100
Dion Phaneuf needs four games for 300 and eight points for 200
Cory Sarich needs five assists for 100
Mike Keenan needs one win to pass Pat Quinn for 4th in all-time wins

Brandon Prust (jaw) and Wayne Primeau (foot) are expected to return later this month. Jim Vandermeer (ankle) and Rhett Warrener (shoulder) are out indefinitely.