The Calgary Flames are in Vancouver tonight for their final pre-season game. Calgary defeated Vancouver 3-2 in a spirited contest which saw Jarkko Ruutu deliver one of the biggest hits of the pre-season. Tonight should be another spirited contest in what has become an intense rivalry.
Vancouver will be going with Alex Auld between the pipes. Up front Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison will play without their linemate Todd Bertuzzi, who skated this morning but is still nursing a sore back. Matt Cooke will be a game time decision, should he play he will be featured on a line with Ryan Kesler and Richard Park. How's that for a speedy line? Also, neither Jarkko Ruutu or Byron Ritchie(who is healthy) will play. Both teams likely trying to keep things from getting out of hand, it is after all the pre-season.
In an effort to settle the final defense spots, the Canucks will once again be dressing 7 defensemen. Mattias Ohlund skated this morning but will not play, neither will Jovanovski or Baumgartner. Luc Bourdon will be paired with Bryan Allen and Steve McCarthy is expected to play with Sami Salo. Thomas Mojzis and Sven Butenschon will be in the lineup, both trying to show that they deserve a roster spot.
It's getting close to cut time and the same questions remain. These final two games will be very interesting.
Note: for those with digital tv capabilities the NHL network is being offered free of charge for the month of October, so you can catch some pre-season games on the tube.
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