5 THINGS - FLAMES vs. SABRES

FLAMES (25-16-5: 55 pts) vs. SABRES (11-26-9: 31 pts)

1. US

The Flames are coming off a 2-1 shootout loss to the Jets on Saturday at the Scotiabank Saddledome that ended the team's season-high seven-game winning streak. TJ Brodie had Calgary's regulation goal for his third tally of the season, all of which have come against Winnipeg … The Flames have earned points in eight straight contests and nine of their last 10 dating back to Dec. 28.

2. THEM

The Sabres enter Monday's tilt following a 7-1 home loss to the Stars. Former Flames goaltender Chad Johnson allowed three goals on 13 shots after replacing Robin Lehner in the Buffalo net halfway through the second period … Johnson started 36 games for Calgary in 2016-2017, posting an 18-15-1 record with one of those wins coming against the Sabres.

3. US vs THEM

Monday's game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the clubs. The teams split last year's season series, with the Flames scoring a 4-3 overtime win at home on Oct. 18 before the Sabres took a 4-2 decision on Nov. 21 in Buffalo. Matthew Tkachuk (2G+1A) and Mark Giordano (3A) each had a team-high three points in two games against the Sabres.

4. THIS, THAT & THE OTHER

This: The Flames have allowed two goals or fewer in six straight games and held the opposition to just one non-shootout goal in three of their last four … That:With his assist on Brodie's goal on Saturday, Troy Brouwer now has three helpers in his last four games and four points (1G+3A) in seven January contests ... The Other:Monday's tilt against the Sabres is the first of three games in four nights for the Flames before the all-star break. Calgary hosts Los Angeles on Wednesday before travelling to Edmonton to take on the Oilers on Thursday.

5. PLAYERS TO WATCH

Flames:D Mark Giordano
Has six points (2G+4A) in Calgary's last eight games. Ranked second in TOI vs Jets with 26:35.
Sabres: RW Kyle Okposo
Had three-game point-streak (2G+5A) snapped vs. Dallas.