Flames players benched for game against Maple Leafs

CALGARY – In a bold move, Flames head coach Bob Hartley will sit three of Calgary’s key players for Tuesday’s home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Calgary Flames confirmed via Twitter that All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau, and centres Sean Monahan and Lance Bouma will be healthy scratches for the game.

This comes at a time when the Flames are desperate for wins, as they sit 8 points out of a playoff spot and 9 points behind the second wild card spot.

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The decision to bench the players falls on the same day the Toronto Maple Leafs traded captain Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators in a nine player deal.

Phaneuf joins the Senators almost six years to the day from a Jan. 31 2010 trade to Toronto, one that saw the Leafs send four players to Calgary in exchange for their future captain.