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Flames Game-Day News: Frose, Markstrom, Ritchie, Mackey & Rinaldo

The Calgary Flames play the Winnipeg Jets tonight. What roster moves have the Flames made in preparation for this game?

In this edition of Calgary Flames Game-Day News, I’ll try to help Flames’ fans stay in touch with the news from the team.

Related: Proposed Trade Between Flames and Maple Leafs Stirs Up Debate

Item One: Byron Froese Will Likely Play in Tonight’s Game

Byron Froese was called up from AHL Stockton and skated with the fourth line during this morning’s skate. As a result, there’s speculation that the 29-year-old center from Manitoba will play his second game of the season. He played in Saturday’s win over the Edmonton Oilers, but saw less than five minutes of game action.

Item Two: Jacob Markstrom Will Start in Goal Again

Jacob Markstrom will be in goal again when the Winnipeg Jets come to town tonight. Markstrom is having a pretty solid season with the team and has two wins in his last three games. His goals-against-average is at 3.26 and his save percentage is only at .884 during his last few games. Still he wins.

Jacob Markstrom, Calgary Flames

In the Jets, Markstrom will face a team that averages 3.55 goals-per-game. Winnipeg’s offense is also likely to improve with the addition of Pierre-Luc Dubois tonight. Can Markstrom improve what was a difficult last game in Winnipeg when he gave up four goals on 32 shots on net?

Item Three: Brett Ritchie Will Be on the Flames’ Active Roster

The Flames also called up Brett Ritchie from the Stockton Heat yesterday. He’ll likely be part of the team’s bottom-six depth forwards. Ritchie played last season with the Boston Bruins and adds a physical aspect to the Flames’ lineup. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward likes to hit.

Item Four: Connor Mackey Has Been Moved Back to the Taxi Squad

The Flames moved Connor Mackey back to the team’s taxi squad on Sunday. He’s been bouncing around between the taxi squad and the active roster much of the season. The 24-year-old graduate of Minnesota State University (Mankato) is likely to be a healthy scratch. He’ll need to wait for injuries to find a more regular place in the lineup.

Related: Canucks Looking to Trade Jake Virtanen, Flames an Option?

Item Five: Zac Rinaldo Returns to the Taxi Squad

The Flames also sent Zac Rinaldo back to the taxi squad on Sunday. Although Rinaldo made his 2020-21 debut on Saturday against the Oilers, he really didn’t play much.

The 30-year-old center has bounced around the NHL for several seasons now and provides insurance just in case there’s an injury. However, likely until that point, he’ll be a press box viewer this season.

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