Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in head-to-head matchups.

The Ducks will cap a short two-game road trip tonight and shoot for their fourth straight win, facing off with the division rival Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. PUCK DROP: 6 P.M. PT | WATCH:

The Calgary Flames have dropped consecutive games and now trail the rival Vancouver Canucks by one point in the Wild Card race as they welcome the Anaheim Ducks to town. My Flames vs. Ducks predictions see Matt Coronato stepping up and helping Calgary reclaim momentum with a much-needed victory.

One of the most common questions we’ve received from fans of the Calgary Flames in recent weeks is “Hey, when is Connor Zary expected back?” After Zary

The Anaheim Ducks have put themselves in position to play meaningful games in the season's second half and possibly join the hunt for a playoff spot. They can take another step toward that goal when they go for a season-high fourth straight win Thursday night in Calgary against the Flames.

BOTTOM LINE: The Anaheim Ducks will try to prolong a three-game win streak with a victory over the Calgary Flames. Calgary has gone 24-18-7 overall with a 7-4-1 record against the Pacific Division. The Flames have conceded 145 goals while scoring 130 for a -15 scoring differential.

The centre is expected to start skating again next week according to head coach Ryan Huska, albeit in a "very limited capacity" and without a clear timeline for his return.

Mikeal Backlund is in the top-25% of the league in speed bursts over 32km/hr with 76. He’s in the top-5% in 29-32km/hr speed bursts with a whopping 459. But high-end speed? He has only one instance of going above 35km/hr. Well below league average. #Flames #NHLEdge pic.twitter.com/ingffsTIbf

The Calgary Flames have been without blueliner Kevin Bahl for the past few games. By the sounds of it, they’ll be without him for a little while longer at least.

Led by Mason McTavish, they’ve netted 16 goals while winning three in a row, their most tallies in a three-game stretch in nearly 19 years.

He’s doing rehab every day, and he’s working his ass off,” said fellow Flames forward Jakob Pelletier. “So when the time comes, he’s going to be back and he’s going to be back even stronger.” The Flames and Anaheim Ducks are facing off Thursday at the Saddledome for their first meeting since Jan.

Rangers forward prospect helped United States repeat as WJC champions; sons of Canadiens coach skating for Brown, Harvard