Skip to main content
globe on hockey

The Calgary Flames will need to take a body count Tuesday morning to see who might be available to play centre in their pivotal game against the Phoenix Coyotes, with a playoff berth squarely on the line.

David Moss, who has been subbing for Brendan Morrison, on the No. 1 line, injured his right leg, tripping into the boards after doing a routine pivot moments after Monday's practice started. Olli Jokinen didn't even get that far - he missed practice with the flu. It will not be clear until game day if either or both can play against the Coyotes, although it is Moss's status that most uncertain.

"Hopefully, he's back for tomorrow, but we don't know," said team captain Jarome Iginla, who noted that it was the sort of innocent fall that happens every day at practice and is usually laughed off. Iginla's linemate, Alex Tanguay noted that wasn't the case this time, not with Morrison already out indefinitely: "We didn't want to lose another centre. Nobody will want to play with me and Iggy. It's bad luck."

If Moss can't go, then the Flames may need to call someone up from the minors. Freddie Modin, who has been their extra forward, missed Saturday's game against Vancouver with back spasms and he didn't practice today either. It also means Matt Stajan may move up the depth chart, although Mikael Backlund, the team's fourth-line centre, had one of his best games as a pro in the loss to Vancouver and would be the most likely candidate for more ice time.

Interact with The Globe