The Calgary Flames (24-178-7) remain home for a Thursday night matchup with the Anaheim Ducks (21-23-6). Tonight is the second meeting between the two clubs, with the last one serving as a pivotal moment in the Flames' season.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in head-to-head matchups.

The Ducks will cap a short two-game road trip tonight and shoot for their fourth straight win, facing off with the division rival Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. PUCK DROP: 6 P.M. PT | WATCH:

The Calgary Flames have dropped consecutive games and now trail the rival Vancouver Canucks by one point in the Wild Card race as they welcome the Anaheim Ducks to town. My Flames vs. Ducks predictions see Matt Coronato stepping up and helping Calgary reclaim momentum with a much-needed victory.

Zary’s return — whenever it may be — will be big news for a team that definitely misses his finish around the net and his ability to transport the puck through the neutral zone. The Flames have quickly come to count on No. 47 to be a difference-maker in the key moments.

BOTTOM LINE: The Anaheim Ducks will try to prolong a three-game win streak with a victory over the Calgary Flames. Calgary has gone 24-18-7 overall with a 7-4-1 record against the Pacific Division. The Flames have conceded 145 goals while scoring 130 for a -15 scoring differential.

One of the most common questions we’ve received from fans of the Calgary Flames in recent weeks is “Hey, when is Connor Zary expected back?” After Zary

Mikeal Backlund is in the top-25% of the league in speed bursts over 32km/hr with 76. He’s in the top-5% in 29-32km/hr speed bursts with a whopping 459. But high-end speed? He has only one instance of going above 35km/hr. Well below league average. #Flames #NHLEdge pic.twitter.com/ingffsTIbf

The centre is expected to start skating again next week according to head coach Ryan Huska, albeit in a "very limited capacity" and without a clear timeline for his return.

The Anaheim Ducks (21-23-6) have just one player on the injury report for their matchup with the Calgary Flames (24-18-7) at Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday, January 30 at 9:00 PM ET.Flames vs.

The Calgary Flames have been without blueliner Kevin Bahl for the past few games. By the sounds of it, they’ll be without him for a little while longer at least.

Led by Mason McTavish, they’ve netted 16 goals while winning three in a row, their most tallies in a three-game stretch in nearly 19 years.