Calgary Flames

Maple Leafs Quick Hits & Flames Game Preview

Tonight the Toronto Maple Leafs roll into Calgary to play the Flames. Who will be out for the Maple leafs? Can the Flames continue to win?

by
Old Prof
February 4, 2025

After a gutsy 3-2 win in Seattle, the Calgary Flames will host the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. They’ll need all their grit and determination to push through the busy stretch that’s coming for their team. The Flames enter this matchup on a strong note, having won their last three of four.

As part of these wins, newcomers like Morgan Frost are making an immediate impact. Frost’s first goal as a Flame was a superb solo effort. He’ll be hoping to build on that confidence tonight. Goalie Dan Vladar also played a key role in that win, making 29 saves, including a whopping 16 during the final period to save the game.

The Maple Leafs Already Are One Up in the Alberta Trip

On the other hand, the Maple Leafs are coming off a tight 4-3 win over the Oilers. They jumped to a dominant 3-0 lead in the first and held on. The game’s hero was goalie Joseph Woll, who made 45 saves. Tonight’s Maple Leafs power threesome of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander are always a threat, but Marner might be unable to play.

For the Flames, it’s all about grabbing points. The playoffs are in sight, but the Flames can’t be lax. They’ve got to keep pace with the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings for that all-important wild-card spot.

Maple Leafs Starting Goalie and News

Joseph Woll will start in net for the Leafs against the Flames on Tuesday after a 45-save performance in Toronto’s 4-3 win over Edmonton. He’s been solid this season with an 18-10-0 record, a 2.66 GAA, and a .909 SV%. The Flames rank 28th in goals per game (2.65) and will look to challenge Woll. However, that’s easier said than done. Woll has been in good form heading into this matchup.

In some excellent news for the Maple Leafs, Anthony Stolarz (knee) is nearing a return. He could make his first appearance since Jan. 12 on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. After missing 23 games, Stolarz is expected to be close to full strength. Before the injury, he posted a 9-5-2 record with a .927 save percentage and a 2.15 GAA. He’s still among the NHL’s leaders in his statistics.

Maple Leafs Injury Report for Flames Game

As noted, Mitch Marner is a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury. He missed Monday’s practice for maintenance and did not participate in today’s morning skate. Marner has 16 goals and 70 points in 52 games this season but has scored just two in his last 12 games. If he can’t play, Max Domi will slot into the top line, and Morgan Rielly will take over on the top power play. Ryan Reaves could also return if Marner is sidelined.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game after sustaining a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Edmonton. Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers will replace him if he can’t go. Ekman-Larsson has scored three goals, added 18 assists, and registered a +15 rating through 51 games this season.

Dakota Mermis was recalled from AHL Toronto on Monday following Ekman-Larsson’s injury. If Ekman-Larsson can’t suit up against the Flames, Philippe Myers is expected to re-enter the lineup after being scratched in Saturday’s victory. Mermis will provide depth on defense, just in case.