The schedule might matter more than either team's form here. Calgary last played Thursday and had Friday off at home. Anaheim played in Winnipeg Friday night, flew west, and has to play again 24 hours later at altitude-free but travel-heavy Saddledome pace. It's the 2nd half of a back-to-back on a road trip, against a team that has been resting and stewing.
For Calgary, the bright spots are small but real. Backlund led the team in shots against Colorado and was named player of the game. Joel Farabee and Klapka also played well, and Jonathan Castagna made his NHL debut in a lineup coach Ryan Huska's staff has been shuffling. Devin Cooley started in net Thursday with Dustin Wolf as the backup. Calgary hasn't said who starts Saturday, and after a 7-goal night that's a fair question. Jonathan Huberdeau (hip) is still on IR, which leaves an offence with 6 goals in 4 games without one of its few proven playmakers.
Anaheim's wins have mostly been tight. The Ducks beat Vegas 4-3 and Florida 3-2, and Edmonton handled them 5-2 at home. Winnipeg was the first game where they actually pulled away. Calgary's best chance is a fast start against tired legs, which it managed for 20 minutes against Colorado. Puck drop is 8:00 PM MT Saturday, October 10, as the late game on Saturday Night Hockey, and a home crowd watching an 0-4 team will run out of patience quickly if the Flames fall behind 2-0 again.