Here's why tonight's Flames game is starting a little later than usual
Aside from the odd 8 pm start time every now and then, fans are used to home games for the Calgary Flames generally beginning at 7 pm or 7:30 pm MT. That won’t be the case for tonight’s outing, however.
The Flames will welcome the New York Rangers to town tonight, with puck drop set for 7:45 pm MT. It is a very peculiar start time for a hockey game, but there is a reason behind it.
The NHL is experimenting with a “Frozen Frenzy” concept for American audiences tonight, which will see all 32 teams in action. All games will feature slightly different starting times to have games staggered throughout the evening, hence the odd start time for the Flames.
The Flames and Rangers outing will be the third-latest game to get underway tonight, with only a game between the Arizona Coyotes and LA Kings and one between the Philadelphia Flyers and Vegas Golden Knights. Kicking things off on the evening will be the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals, who are set to play at 4 pm MT.
Odd start times aside, tonight’s game will be a huge one for the Flames, who are looking to put an end to a two-game skid. Doing so won’t be an easy task, as they are facing a Rangers team that has one of the league’s best offensives thanks to star talents such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox.
Getting the start for the Flames tonight will be Jacob Markstrom, who last appeared in what was a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. The 33-year-old has started four games this season, amassing a 1-2-1 record with a 2.72 goals against average and a .905 save percentage. While not yet confirmed, it is believed Igor Shesterkin will draw the start for the Rangers.
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