NHL Hockey Odds: Calgary Flames at Columbus Blue Jackets

The Flames take on the Blue Jackets tonight. (Wikimedia Images)"]

The Calgary Flames look to avoid losing their third straight game when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight.

The Flames were expected to improve defensively under new coach Brent Sutter after allowing 248 goals last season. They’ve created a lot of work for their goaltenders so far, though, as Miikka Kiprusoff and backup Curtis McElhinney have faced a league-high 203 shots through the first five games.

The Blue Jackets, who have outscored Calgary 11-1 during three straight home wins in the series, are off to the best start in franchise history.

After getting a rare game off Saturday, Steve Mason figures to be back in net tonight. He was 2-1-1 with a 1.97 goals-against average against the Flames last season.

The Blue Jackets have killed off 17 of 18 short-handed situations, including all seven Saturday.

The Blue Jackets are 12-3-1 all-time against Calgary in Columbus.

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