Flames tweak lines due to Anthony Mantha’s injury

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The Calgary Flames look like they’ll be without Anthony Mantha tonight against the Boston Bruins.

Mantha played just 5:06 two nights ago versus the Montreal Canadiens before suffering a lower-body injury in the first period. He was absent from the bench to begin the second and was ruled out of the game a short time later.

While the Flames have yet to give an update on Mantha’s injury, he did not take part in today’s morning skate, albeit an optional one.

Sportsnet 960’s Derek Wills says Nazem Kadri will centre the top line tonight with Connor Zary and Andrei Kuzmenko on his wings. Sharangovich will continue to centre a line with Jonathan Huberdeau, while Martin Pospisil will fill in with them in place of Mantha.

To no surprise, the line of Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, and Matt Coronato — the Flames best line on Tuesday — will remain intact. As for the fourth line, Justin Kirkland will shift to the wing to make room for Kevin Rooney, who is returning after sitting as a healthy scratch against the Habs. Ryan Lomberg will play on their left side.

For the third straight game, the defensive pairings will remain the same. That is great news for Tyson Barrie, who will suit up for his fourth-straight outing after struggling to get into the lineup earlier in the season. On the opposite side of the coin, it will be Jake Bean’s fourth straight sitting as a healthy scratch.

Late last week, Dan Vladar was the first Flames goaltender to receive back-to-back starts this season following a shutout versus the New Jersey Devils. Now, Wolf, who was in net versus the Canadiens on Tuesday, will be given the same opportunity tonight.

The 23-year-old has a 2.99 goals against average (GAA) paired with a .909 save percentage (SV%) in six starts this season.

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