Flames list Neal as healthy scratch for Game 5 vs. Avs

The Calgary Flames have listed forward James Neal as a healthy scratch for Game 5 as they try to avoid elimination versus the Colorado Avalanche.

After winning the opening game of the series, the Flames dropped three straight to Colorado, with two of the losses coming in overtime. The series heads back to the Saddledome as Calgary looks to stay alive.

The 31-year-old has yet to register a point in the playoffs and owns a minus-three rating. He recorded 55 points in 104 playoff games prior to joining the Flames.

Neal is in the first year of a five-year, $28.75-million contract. He registered 19 points in 63 games this season and failed to crack 20 goals for the first time in his 11-year career.

He will be replaced in the lineup by 26-year-old Austin Czarnik.

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