And so the fate of the Calgary Flames rests with . . . Leland Irving? Of all the fascinating scenarios unfolding in a compressed 48-game NHL schedule, perhaps none are as intriguing as the goaltender carousel.

Alex Auld will start in goal for the first time in 2012 when the Ottawa Senators take on the Nashville Predators at Scotiabank Place Thursday night.

The Ottawa Senators are coming off a little hiccup in their recent strong play — prior to dropping a 6-2 decision to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, they’d picked up points in four straight games.