For fans of the Calgary Flames, especially of late, the summer off-season is nothing short of torture as we contemplate the myriad of changes the team needs to make in order to achieve the dream of winning another Stanley Cup. There are always critical junctures in the summer that ensure we’re all glued to the computer screen pressing refresh incessantly as we try to find out what latest magic Darryl Sutter has pulled out of his hat to try and improve our cherished team. This year was different, the format for the summer was still the same: surprising (sort of) coaching change, star player acquisition at the draft, getting rid of those useless second round draft picks, etc…but the wow factor of those deals, I mean, all you can say sometimes is, well…WOW!
Adding a coach well known to the GM, who to be quite honest (heh) belonged in the Flames organization, in Brent Sutter could possibly be the breakout move of the off-season for Calgary. That move addresses the single biggest flaw facing the Flames since the last time a Sutter directed the Flames soldiers: defence. The voices of players like Robyn Regehr and Cory Sarich were heard loud and clear by Darryl Sutter as Mike Keenan was shown the door and the type of coach the Flames should have expected to see before Iron Oxide Mike Keenan was hired in the first place. System, accountability, responsibility, identity, focus.
Now, this doesn’t even consider the site crashing response that the trade for then signing of Jay Bouwmeester had. Bouwmeester brings the type of player that the Flames have sorely desired: a smooth skating, defensively responsible, yet still offensively capable big, strong awesome defenceman.
And proving that he can indeed “do whatever [he] wants” (Darryl) Sutter also managed to package the albatross contracts of Jim Vandermeer and Wayne Primeau to Phoenix and Toronto respectively. You just shake your head in awe and watch the master at work and then smirk at the jealous Oiler fans desperate for a real GM.
When the Dust Settles
With all these moves where do we eventually end up seeing the Flames in the standings? This is a very tough question to gauge. Look for the Flames to compete for the NW division title neck and neck with the similarly built Vancouver Canucks, but that’s a cop-out answer. Flames win the NW division title, finish 2nd in the conference.
Most Valuable Player
A return to form for Miikka Kiprusoff. When Kiprusoff took the Flames to the Stanley Cup final in 2004 the debate raged over whether or not it was the system or the goaltender. Clearly it’s a combination since Curtis McElhinney can’t get wins for the life of him, but a defensive system, or rather a defensively responsibly system will see Kiprusoff lead the Flames to victory.
Role Model
Brandon Prust. Think beyond the fisticuffs and you’ll see a player who plays with heart, soul, grit, and edge. Big deal that he’s a fourth line player, but having a guy like him on the fourth line will help you win the important games. He’ll anchor the final trio of four rolling lines to perfection.
Core Meltdown
Rene Bourque asserted himself as one of the major contributors to the amazing depth of the Flames offence last season, but a late season high ankle sprain that he came back too soon from to play in the playoffs resulted in a bummer of a summer for Bourque. Expecting him to match last seasons performance or improve upon it might set you up for hard times ahead.
Breakout Player
The one thing the Flames have an abundance of are players capable of a breakout season. Look for Mark Giordano to show that he’s got something to prove. His presence on the power-play and as the likely defence partner for Dion Phaneuf on even strength should set him up for a very pleasant season ahead.
Special Teams
If the Flames defensive strategy has a rebirth, then it should be no surprise if the penalty killing improves. Bringing in a core component of the leagues best penalty killing duo of Fredrik Sjostrom and former Flame Blair Betts augmenting the never say die mentality of Craig Conroy and Eric Nystrom, the PK units should be successful this season. The burning question however, still remains with the power-play. Last season it was something worse than disgraceful, it was like it was from Edmonton, but worse. Yes, I know, hyperbole will get me nowhere, but it was really that bad. The Flames have the offensive talent to score on the power-play and they will finally get the opportunity to PRACTICE it, so there is no way it could possibly be as bad as last season.
Eastern Conference Standings
1. Washington Capitals
2. New Jersey Devils
3. Boston Bruins
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Philadelphia Flyers
6. Carolina Hurricanes
7. Buffalo Sabres
8. New York Rangers
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
10. Ottawa Senators
11. Montreal Canadiens
12. Tampa Bay Lightning
13. Florida Panthers
14. Atlanta Thrashers
15. New York Schremps
Western Conference Standings
1. Detroit Red Wings
2. Calgary Flames
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Vancouver Canucks
5. St. Louis Blues
6. Chicago Blackhawks
7. Anaheim Ducks
8. Minnesota Wild
9. Dallas Stars
10. Columbus Blue Jackets
11. Edmonton Oilers
12. Los Angeles Kings
13. Nashville Predators
14. Phoenix Coyotes
15. Colorado Avalanche
