PREVIEW - FLAMES @ JETS

WINNIPEG - We're officially in the home stretch now.
With only a pair of exhibition tilts on tap before the opening-night roster is set, time is running thin for those on the bubble to make their case.
And for the vets that are locked in? It's another chance to ramp up the intensity and get their game where it needs to be for the Oct. 13 lid-lifter.
Granted, with what we've seen over the past few games, it's clear they're ready to go now.

The Flames are coming off a tidy 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Monday, improving to 4-2-0 on the preseason. Chris Tanev - who logged more than 19 minutes in his first action following off-season shoulder surgery - was named the game's first star after scoring the opening goal, before Michael Stone, Noah Hanifin and Blake Coleman rounded out the offence.
Tanev was an absolute beast for the Flames, doing all the little things well in his zone, breaking the puck out clean, and providing that staunch, physical presence that makes him a fan favourite.
A D-leading three shots on goal never hurts, either.
"It's good to get back and get in a game and get up and down the ice and compete down low," he said. "I mean, you can mimic it in practice as much as you want, but it's never going to be the same. It's always a half a step quicker out during the game, so it's good to get out there."
Considering the last time we saw him in a game he couldn't even wind up for a slapshot in the second round of the playoffs, his speedy recovery is not only a testament to the kind of athlete he is, but the expertise and professionalism of the Flames' medical and training staff.
"I think it just reinforced how everyone thought I was feeling," Tanev said. "Give credit to the doctors, medical staff, trainers for getting me where I need to be to be able to play tonight. I can't thank them enough."
In goal, Jacob Markstrom played the full game for the first time in the preseason, recording 21 saves in the victory.

MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE

The Flames could really have something here …
The line of Andrew Mangiapane, Nazem Kadri and Dillon Dube, as well as Blake Coleman, Mikael Backlund and Kevin Rooney debuted on Monday - and both were awfully impressive.
Could this be the middle-six look the Flames start the year with?
That remains to be seen.
But what we do know is that the early returns are positive, giving Darryl Sutter some flexibility as he create chemistry throughout the lineup.
The Kadri line finished the night with a 61.54% possession rate, while the Backlund unit was a flat-out force, controlling 86.67% of the shot share.

THE NEW GUY:

Radim Zohorna spoke with the media in Winnipeg this morning.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

The Jets have been off since Saturday when they fell 3-2 in a shootout to the Edmonton Oilers. They're now 2-1-1 on their abbreviated six-game slate.
The big story from Jets camp - aside from the dynamic top line of Nikolaj Ehlers, Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor stealing the show - has been the play of 2022 first-round pick Brad Lambert. The Finnish Phenom has a goal, an assist, and six shots on goal in two preseason games, and could be on the cusp of cracking the Winnipeg roster as an 18-year-old.
Lambert has been a human highlight reel - and the team can't say enough about the kid affectionally labeled as 'Big, Bad Brad.'
"What he does, we can't teach," Jets Head Coach Rick Bowness told the media on Monday. "You can't teach what that kid does with speed. It's unreal how fast he is."
"First of all, he's not signed. So, that's the start," Bowness added with a laugh. "Listen, that decision will be made over the next little while, in terms of where he starts and where he plays. He hasn't played his way out of here yet. I love working with kids and this kid has got a few more days to develop and to see where it goes."
Lambert skated on a line with Dominic Toninato and Cole Perfetti at Tuesday's practice.
The Flames and Jets will close out the preseason with a rematch on Friday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

THE LINEUP

Coming soon!

WHERE TO WATCH

Tonight's game will be streamed on CalgaryFlames.com and the Flames app beginning at 6 p.m. MT.