We're forechecking you with four links as the Calgary Flames come down the stretch of the regular season, courtesy of Rotowire:
Joni Ortio will start between the pipes Thursday against the Kings, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN reports. With a back-to-back set on tap for the Flames on Wednesday and Thursday, he will take the first night off in favor of game 2. In doing so, Ortio will avoid an Anaheim club averaging 3.00 goals per game in March) but will instead face the Kings, who have actually been a tad better (3.07 goals per game). While the youngster has been the best of the three netminders lately, it wouldn't be surprising if the team continues to split the starts between the three options.
Jyrki Jokipakka won't play Wednesday against the Ducks, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN reports. Expect an update on the 2011 seventh-round pick's status once he's ready to return to game action.
Michael Frolik (lower body) will miss at least three games with a lower-body injury he sustained in Monday's game against Arizona, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN reports. The 2006 first-round pick has been ruled out of the remainder of the Flames' current five-game road trip, meaning his next chance to return to action won't come until Tuesday against the Kings
Jonas Hiller will draw the start for Wednesday's game against the Ducks, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN reports. Hiller's last action came March 21 against the Maple Leafs, followed by three games off. The team continues to roster three goaltenders, and none have separated himself enough to be worthy of a workhorse role. He'll look to turn around an atrocious start to March (4.05 GAA, .862 save percentage) Wednesday, but faces a tough matchup against a Ducks club that's beaten him nine times over two games this season.
Johnny Gaudreau (upper body) won't suit up for Wednesday's game against the Ducks, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN reports. Gaudreau's owners will hope to have the diminutive winger back in their lineups as soon as possible, as he's been stellar this season, racking up 73 points (28 goals, 45 assists) in 74 games. The 2011 fourth-round pick reportedly could return to the lineup as soon as Thursday against LA, indicating his upper-body issue likely isn't overly serious. The Flames should provide an update on Gaudreau's status ahead of Thursday evening's matchup with the Kings.