Boston edged Calgary in the opening game in China, picking up a 4-3 shootout win at the Shenzhen Universiade Center. Sean Monahan and Mark Giordano (2) tallied for the Flames, who acted as the home team in Shenzhen and had the majority of support in the crowd, while Matthew Tkachuk scored Calgary's lone goal in the shootout.
On the Bruins' end, Martin Bakos, Ryan Donato and John Moore were able to get shots past Jon Gillies, who played the entire game in Shenzhen. Brad Marchand scored the game-winner in the shootout.
The Flames have confirmed they will make lineup changes ahead of Game Two, with Mike Smith slated to get his first start of the pre-season and Curtis Lazar, Anthony Peluso, Morgan Klimchuk, Rasmus Andersson, and Dalton Prout making their China debuts.
Calgary head coach Bill Peters has yet to finalize who will sit this evening as the team is waiting on an update on Matthew Tkachuk. The winger took a spill in practice on Tuesday and his status for the game will be determined after the morning skate.
CalgaryFlames.com will have updates from the morning skate in Beijing, including the club's projected lineup and pre-game comments.
Following this evening's tilt, the Flames will make the 14-hour flight back to Calgary. The China roster will have a few days off before getting back into pre-season action.
The Flames' next pre-season game comes on Wednesday evening, when the Calgary-based roster takes on the Canucks in Vancouver. Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. MT with Sportsnet One carrying the broadcast.
