CALGARY FLAMES TRAINING CAMP ITINERARY

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AP Photo

Head Lock! Steve Begin once again shows size is no object.

Remember, they don't count in the standings. 

Should the preseason slide continue into the upcoming tune up games against their provincial rivals, however, and the Flames could have a large confidence issue on their hands when the season begins for real on October 10th.

Their opponent for that evening, the Vancouver Canucks, certainly won't be lacking for confidence having diced up the local squad for their second 5-1 triumph in as many starts.

Making Their Case:

Jeff Shantz - another solid outing for the once forgotten center. Shantz played a key role killing penalties and carrying a regular shift. Was 53% in the face off circle, and registered one shot. He finished even on the night.

Mathew Lombardi - the dynamic young center played a spirited game for the Flames on a line with Ladislav Kohn and Ron Petrovicky. The line was victimized twice for even strength goals, but did provide a spark for the visiting side. On the night Lombardi had two shots on goal, and finished 61% in the face off circle. Lombardi will likely be cut in the next couple of days, but in the span of three weeks his stock has risen from career farmhand to a legitimate prospect.

Chuck Kobasew - Kobasew finally showed some of the flair that made him the talk of last season's training camp. Kobasew had five shots on goal, including numerous blue chip chances and scored his first of the preseason on a deft "shades of Niewendyk" deflection to the top corner. Looks like Chuck is back on track.

Jamie Wright - a returning player that isn't a lock to make the team, though that might have changed Friday night. Wright burst out of the gates with a great first period, showing the club his assortment of skills that should see him on the final roster. Wright had four first period shots, and finished the night even.

Steve Begin - Begin was on the ice for two of the Canuck's five goals on the evening, but both of those markers were scored on the powerplay, a role not often played by the fourth line winger. Overall Begin put in another Begin-esque performance, creating havoc and even having a few scoring chances. To this point through camp, Begin has outplayed fellow agitator Ron Petrovicky.

Sealing Their Fate:

Robert Dome - The fact that Dome hasn't been cut already shows you just how much the Calgary Flames really wanted a success story from the free agent winger - Dome should have been cut last Tuesday. Another game with nothing to show should put the final nail in his Flame coffin. Dome was -1 with just one first period shot.

Levente Szuper - Szuper can't be faulted on all but one of the four Canuck goals he surrendered, but the young stopper has now given up seven goals in 60 minutes of action, which just isn't enough to unseat the incumbent Jamie McLennan.

Steve Montador - Steve Montador didn't play a poor hockey game, he was actually pretty solid through two periods. However, by finishing -2, the steady defenceman may have played himself off the roster in competition with Micki Dupont and Jordan Leopold.

Special Team Analysis:

Powerplay - The Flames, once again, came up empty with the man advantage, marking the third second straight white wash in the two game road trip. 

Penalty Kill - the principal kill teams for the Flames featured Jeff Shantz working with Blake Sloan, and Steve Begin working with one of Craig Conroy or Jamie Wright. Begin was on the ice for both Canuck powerplay markers.

Rosters: 

Vancouver - The Canucks dressed a more veteran lineup that included 14 regulars.

Calgary - The Flames dressed 12 players sure to be on their final roster, giving the night off to Jarome Iginla, Bob Boughner, Dean McAmmond, Martin Gelinas, and Marc Savard, among others.

Next Up: Edmonton at the Dome on Sunday.