Detroit @ Calgary preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 18, 2019 ) Detroit 4, Calgary 6

The Calgary Flames enjoyed good fortune at home in 2018-19, and the early returns this season are projecting for more of the same. The Flames aim to continue their success at Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday when they conclude a two-game stretch against the Detroit Red Wings.

Elias Lindholm scored for the second time in as many games on Tuesday to boost his team-leading goal total to four as Calgary improved to 2-0-1 at home this season following a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia. The 24-year-old Swede collected four points (one goal, three assists) against Detroit last season as the Flames won both encounters and seven of the last nine overall. The Red Wings have seen their fast start to the season slowed considerably after surrendering five goals in each of their last two setbacks. "It was unacceptable," forward Dylan Larkin told the Detroit Free Press after Tuesday's 5-1 setback versus Vancouver. "We're not good enough to come out and just throw our sticks out there and play hockey."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, Sportsnet 360

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (3-3-0): While Thursday's game likely will be old hat for defenseman Mike Green, fellow Calgary native Taro Hirose was admittedly nervous when thinking about playing in his hometown. "It's pretty exciting," the 23-year-old said after practice on Wednesday. "You never really, growing up, know if you're going to be able to play at the NHL level in that rink. I'm sure once we get there, it will be a little bit more exciting. Right now. I'm just taking it day by day." Anthony Mantha, who leads the team with six goals, picked up his club-best ninth point after assisting on Larkin's goal 30 seconds into the game versus the Canucks.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (3-3-1): Head coach Bill Peters was optimistic that second-line center Mikael Backlund will play against Detroit despite injuring his left foot while blocking a shot in the third period versus the Flyers. "Negative," Peters of the X-rays taken on the foot of the 30-year-old Swede. "Maintenance day today, but I think he'll play (Thursday). We'll give it time. I know he's going to work on getting treatment the rest of the day, get treatment in the morning, probably try it in the pre-game skate and if he's good to go, he'll be in." Johnny Gaudreau, who leads the team with seven points, registered four (one goal, three assists) in Calgary's 5-3 win over Detroit on Jan. 2.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit LW Tyler Bertuzzi, who also picked up an assist on Larkin's goal Tuesday, set up a pair of tallies in last year's season series versus Calgary.

2. Flames LW Matthew Tkachuk, who is tied for the team lead in assists with Gaudreau, set up a pair of goals versus the Red Wings last season.

3. Detroit D Danny DeKeyser is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

PREDICTION: Flames 4, Red Wings 3