I've been sidlined by a stomach virus for the last 3 days or so, thus the total lack of posts. Let's catch up then...
- Calgary beats San Jose 2-0. Kipper is stellar, Iggy comes through in the clutch. Excellent game all around.
- Calgary loses to Nashville 3-2. The Preds have the Flames number this year. They've won the last 4 meetings between the 2 teams. Didn't see the game, but I heard Calgary played relatively well. Had a (Leopold) goal called back on a too-many-men penalty and gave up a short-hander which turned out to be the winner. Some typical culprits in the loss: Lack of offence, Ference -3, etc.
Now the Flames head into the trade deadline 3rd in West but still desperately seeking offense. Some recent comments by Sutter in the local media suggests that he won't be making any moves - but most people interpret that to Sutter being coy and holding his cards close to his chest. Even with his defense-first philosophy, Sutter knows that his team should (rather, needs to) improve their scoring and finish. Awash in defensemen, the Flames may make a bold deal to land that elusive #1 centerman by moving a Leopold or Ference. Or, and what is more likely, Sutter may decide to add supplemental pieces to his puzzle - say, a Jeff Friesen or a Ryan Malone - like he did previously with deadline additions Chris Simon and Marcus Nilson. Either way, stay tuned - it should be interesting.
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On the "first significant trade" front, Edmonton dealt away their #1 draft choice next year for Minny back-up Dwayne Roloson. The deal includes an additional 3rd-rounder should Rolo sign with the Oilers in the off-season.
Gotta say, a first rounder for a 36 year old potential UFA having a very off-season seems like a bit much. I guess it's an indication of what other teams, like Buffalo, were asking in return for their goaltenders. Im also fairly surprised that the Wild would entertain a trading partner whom they are chasing for the last playoff spot in the West. Do they know something about Roloson that Edmonton doesn't? Or do they value more the certainty of another #1 draft pick next year to the mere possibility of a play-off entrance this year? Perhaps, now that they have 2 first rounders, the Wild can deal picks to strengthen their scoring around Gaborik and Rolston? Hmmm...
Overall though, the truth of the matter is that Roloson is a better option than any of the 'tenders currently making up the Oiler's 3-headed goalie monster. This deal DOES shore up the Oiler's leaky crease situation. To what degree and for how long are now the questions facing them...
