Game Preview: Calgary Flames @ Pittsburgh Penguins, January 10, 2026
The Battle of the Divisions:
The Calgary Flames (18-22-4, 40 points, 7th in Pacific) face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (21-12-9, 51 points, 4th in Metropolitan) at 3:30 p.m. ET. This game promises an intriguing clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes.
Pens' Schedule:
The Penguins' busy schedule continues with a game in Boston tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET. They'll then return to Pittsburgh for three home games next week, starting with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, followed by division rivals Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Flames' Struggles:
Calgary is on a four-game losing streak, struggling to score with just one goal in each of their last three games (18-3 goal differential). They recently lost back-to-back games in Montreal and Boston. The team's road woes are evident, as they have the worst road points percentage in the NHL, with a 6-15-2 record (.304 points percentage) in 23 away games this season.
Hidden Stat:
The Flames' struggles extend to their power play, which is performing at a mere 12.5%.
Flames' Lineup:
- Forwards: Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, Joel Farabee; Blake Coleman, Mikael Backlund, Matt Coronato; Connor Zary, Morgan Frost, Yegor Sharangovich; Ryan Lomberg, Justin Kirkland, Adam Klapka.
- Defense: Kevin Bahl/Rasmus Andersson, Yan Kuznetsov/MacKenzie Weegar, Joel Hanley/Hunter Brzustewicz.
- Goalies: Dustin Wolf, Devin Cooley.
- Potential Scratches: Zayne Parekh (day-to-day), William Stromgren, Brayden Pachal.
- Injured Reserve: Jake Bean, Samuel Honk, John Beecher, Martin Pospisil.
Flames' Trade Deadline Crossroads:
The Flames are at a critical juncture, with the trade deadline looming. They are currently in a playoff race, six points behind a Western Conference Wild Card spot with 38 games remaining. Their recent December resurgence (9-4-0) has been followed by a January slump (0-4). The team is balancing veteran presence and youth development, with rookie William Stromgren making his NHL debut on Wednesday.
Flames' Statistical Overview:
- Goals For: 2.13 per game (lowest in NHL).
- Goals Against: 3.57 per game (5th highest).
- Power Play: 12.5%.
Potential Trades:
TSN's Pierre LeBrun suggests Blake Coleman could be traded to the Montreal Canadiens. Rasmus Andersson, with an expiring contract, is an obvious trade chip. The team's future moves may depend on ending their losing streak.
Pens' Lineup:
- Forwards: Rickard Rakell, Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust; Evgeni Malkin, Ben Kindel, Yegor Chinakhov; Anthony Mantha, Tommy Novak, Justin Brazeau; Connor Dewar, Blake Lizotte, Noel Acciari.
- Defense: Parker Wotherspoon/Erik Karlsson, Brett Kulak/Kris Letang, Ryan Shea/Jack St. Ivany.
- Goalies: Stuart Skinner, Arturs Silovs.
- Potential Scratches: Ville Koivunen, Kevin Hayes, Connor Clifton.
- IR: Filip Hallander, Caleb Jones, Rutger McGroarty.
Pens' Victory Streak:
The Penguins boast a six-game winning streak, matching the Tampa Bay Lightning's eight-game run.
Erik Karlsson's Record:
If Erik Karlsson records a point tonight, he'll become the first Penguins defenseman since Dick Tarnstrom in 2002 to achieve points in 10 straight home games.
