On the back of a horrendous 7-1 loss to Blackhawks, the Flames look to pick up the pieces this afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings (2 p.m., Sportsnet, FAN 960). Check in with our prognosticators and have your say in the comments portion below.

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Photograph by : Leah Hennel

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George Johnson, sports columnist, Calgary Herald

Bank on seeing: A more emotionally invested Flames' team (Wait! Isn't the same thing I wrote following the dreary home loss to Colorado and then the locals promptely go and soil the sheets, extensively, against the Hawks?). Anyway, if the Flames aren't red-faced to the point of sunburn in the wake of such a monumental no-show, then maybe coach Brent Sutter had better send for a branding iron off the old homestead to prod a few off them out of their stupors.

Flames difference-maker: With LW Rene Bourque left at home, someone is required to step up and fill the void. It's now or never for Olli Jokinen - a thundering disappointment so far as a Flame - to be a presence remotely worth the pricetag.

Kings difference-maker: C Anze Kopitar. The Slovenian sniper is the man to catch in the Art Ross Trophy race, compiling 32 points already, well balanced with 14 goals and 18 helpers.

The score: L.A. is far from an automatic two points anymore. And the Flames are a decidedly fragile bunch right now. The Kings' last three starts have all been one-goal games, two via shootout. L.A, 4-3 in regulation.

Kristen Odland, sports writer, Calgary Herald

Bank on seeing: A much sharper effort. Who could have predicted the melt-down that was Thursday's game against the Chicago We-Have-Your-Number Blackhawks? Something needs to be solved in the Flames dressing room as they have proven they are capable of winning. The upcoming time on the road will do them good. Meanwhile, the Smyth-less Kings will need to look elsewhere for leadership as Alexander Frolov certainly isn't going to replace the leadership of the former Captain Canada. Definitely an interesting match-up considering the teams have had similar seasons so far. Interestingly enough, the Kings also recently let a team man-handle them, letting in seven goals (remember last week's 7-0 embarassment against Atlanta?) . . . they can feel the Flames' pain.

Flames difference-maker: Tough call. It should be Jarome Iginla, hopefully leading by example after the latest "family matter" but I thought that last game . . . Without Rene Bourque, someone will need to pick up the slack up front. Olli Jokinen? Curtis Glencross? Maybe even Nigel Dawes?

Kings difference-maker: Anze Kopitar. If the Flames had trouble with the Blackhawks offence, they'll certainly be challenged by the NHL's leading scorer. With 14 goals and 18 assists in 23 games, Kopitar is always a threat.

The score: The Flames drop another, but deserve to win it. 4-2 Kings (with an empty netter).

Pat Steinberg, FAN 960

Bank on seeing: Something different than Thursday night. The head coach is frustrated, and the Flames are saying all the right things heading into this game against the Kings, coming off their 7-1 loss to the Blackhawks. Straight up, the fan base is going to want to see some sort of improvement. It doesn't have to be all at once, but the Flames want to show that their embarassing loss on Thursday really is going to serve as a wake up call.

Flames difference-maker: Nigel Dawes. As Rene Bourque will not play in this game (or in Monday's in Anaheim), Nigel Dawes could become the trigger-man if he remains with centre Daymond Langkow. I thought Dawes played a nice first period on Thursday, and he's due for a goal or two.

Kings difference-maker: Alex Frolov. It looks like the talented but inconsistent forward will join the Kings top line in the absence of Ryan Smyth. The line of Smyth, Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams had been scoring to start the season, so we'll see if Frolov is able to keep their roll going.

The score: Jeez, I am very intrigued as to what to expect. The Kings are playing good hockey, but I'll say 3-1 Calgary.

D'Arcy McGrath, owner and publisher, calgarypuck.com

Bank on seeing: A fired up Calgary team? One would hope so after a 7-1 drubbing on home ice that had the question and fortitude of the entire bunch questioned by their coach. If the Flames don't come out inspired given the situation Mr. Sutter will have a lot of work cut out for him.

Flames difference-maker: The core. Who's in the core? The onus of leadership would seem to fall primarily on the shoulders of Jarome Iginla and Robyn Regehr, so look for those two players to lead the way in this one. The immediate supporting cast of Daymond Langkow, Dion Phaneuf and Olli Jokinen should also be on their game.

Kings difference-maker: The Kings will only go as far as their young core will take them, but Anze Kopitar has lead the way with a break out season, at least through the first quarter.

The score: The Flames have some serious work to do, and that won't happen in one off ice session with an angry coach. Upstart Kings best Calgary 4-2.

Heath Brown, CTV Sports

Bank on seeing: The Flames giving up less than seven goals. Bold prediction, eh? The Flames were monkey-crap on Thursday against Chicago and are more than happy to hit the road where they have a solid 6-1-2 record.

Flames difference-maker: Jarome Iginla loves L.A.! He had two goals and three assists as the Flames won all four games against the Kings last season. Both trends should continue.

Kings difference-maker: Drew Doughty. No sophomore jinx for this splendid young blue liner. He is an ice time-eater and has three points in his last three games.

The score: 4-2 Flames. If this game was played in Calgary I might pick the Kings, but I'll go with the Flames to end their two-game losing streak.