Desperate Flames scratch Neal, juggle lines for Game 5 of series with Avalanche
CALGARY — Facing elimination and requiring an offensive spark, the Calgary Flames scratched playoff veteran James Neal to make room for Austin Czarnik in Friday night’s Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche.
Calgary head coach Bill Peters confirmed the move after Friday’s pre-game skate. The Flames trailed the Avalanche three games to one in their best-of-seven opening-round series.
Czarnik, 26, will make his NHL playoff debut. He had six goals and 12 assists in 54 regular-season games for Calgary.
“When Zee has come into the lineup, he’s given us an element of skill in the offensive zone,” Peters said. “We want to hang onto pucks and spend some time down there.