The last time the Ottawa Senators were in Calgary in was also December, but that is about the only similiarity to now.

    Then it was Dec. 10 and the game was billed as the NHL’s top offense against the top defense.

    The top defensive team won as the Flames skated off with a 2-1 win in an overtime thriller. The Flames had the best defense record in the 2005-06 season. The Sens the best offense. Both would finish first in their respective divisions.

    Now the Flames are in first place in the NW Division but have just the league’s 22nd best goals against average, but its improved a great deal lately.  The Flames could increase their first place lead with a victory Saturday. 

   The Senators are playing the second match of an 8-game road trip not having won in their last 10 road assignments (0-8-2). They are last in the Northeast Division with the NHL’s second least goals total.

   The Senators are struggling to keep their season on the rails and this road trip could sink their chances of keeping their playoff streak of 11 years alive.

    The Flames are looking to run their point streak to 7 games, which would be their longest of the season.  Since their infamous 6-1 loss in San Jose on Nov. 13, the Flames have compiled a 10-3-3 record — one of the best in the league.

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