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Calgary fans might be feeling that rarest of emotions before tonight's game against Philadelphia: hope. Yesterday, Calgary GM Darryl Sutter decided to pull out all the stops and ship defenseman Dion Phaneuf (who didn't exactly hide his shock at the move), forward Fredrik Sjostrom, and prospect defenceman Keith Aulie to Toronto for Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White, and Jamal Mayers, whose physical edge and aggressive capabilities shouldn't be underestimated.

It was a move motivated by desperation and the fundamental need to turn things around, and fast. The Flames' stuttering offense, so impotent and ineffective until the weekend's thrashing of Edmonton, should be handed a much-needed boost by Stajan and Hagman. The former has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career so far, notching up 16 goals and an impressive number of assists to go with that neat total. Hagman, meanwhile, has managed to score 20 goals this season; how Calgary could do with that kind of production on a regular basis.

Currently tied for eighth in the Western Conference, it is Calgary's offense that needs to become stronger and far more consistent if the team want to reach the playoffs again this season. It is these two qualities that Sutter is hoping the new additions will bring with them. Strength should come through the ability of the new faces to deliver a solid "performance", whilst consistency should be a natural by-product of the "good years" the players have all experienced so far.

Philadelphia are fresh off the back of a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders at the weekend. That was their fifth win in six games and the ideal preparation for tonight's match-up. The last time these two teams clashed, in March last year, Calgary breezed past the Flyers, ending the game 5-1.

A similar result tonight is probably asking too much of a Calgary side still fragile emotionally after such a poor streak. It'll take some time before they can fully recover from that and there will undoubtedly be a period of transition following the arrival of the new faces. However, it seems that the tide has turned in Calgary and Philadelphia could be on the receiving end of another much-needed Flames victory.

The Flames are narrow favorites to win this one at odds of 2.36 (+136) but the margin between the two teams is so close that backing the victory tonight still offers great value. Don't be afraid to put faith in the radical changes made by Calgary and trust the players to get results.