Got in from from Vancouver just in time towa tch the game and put up a last minute preview.
Ducks are great, hottest team in the league, Pronger injrued, blah blah blah. All Flames fans really need to focus on during this home drive is wins and losses. If Calgary manages to be a game or two above .500 through March and April, they havea good chance of winning the division. If they finish a game or two below five hundred, they have a good chance of missing the play-offs entirely. Every win is important now.
Prediction - err, Go Flames.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Flames/Avs Preview
Oh yeah, there's a game tonight.
Calgary did SFA today, but the Avs were one of the busier teams. Besides coaxing Foppa back into the fold yesterday, Colorado added another ex-pat in Adam Foote and dealt Karlis Skrastins for Ruslan Salei. I don't think any of the new additions will be in the line-up tonight against the Flames, so the only player that Calgary will have to really worry about is Joe Sakic. Burnaby Joe is to the Flames what Jarome is to the Wild: pure antagonistic, nemsisitic (it's a perfectly cromulent word) evil. Sure, he's been out for half the year with groin problems, but Im willing to bet he plays like a fresh-faced, 25 year-old again this evening.
Flames stuff: Eriksson/Warrener out, Vandermeer has looked decent so far, Nilson probably subbing in for Tanguay ("stinger"). I half expect Huselius to bust his slump as well now that he doesn't have to worry about packing his bags anymore.
Prediction - Calgary 3, Colorado 2. Huselius, Iginla and Phaneuf for Calgary, Sakic and Gusarov for the Avs.
Go Flames.
Calgary did SFA today, but the Avs were one of the busier teams. Besides coaxing Foppa back into the fold yesterday, Colorado added another ex-pat in Adam Foote and dealt Karlis Skrastins for Ruslan Salei. I don't think any of the new additions will be in the line-up tonight against the Flames, so the only player that Calgary will have to really worry about is Joe Sakic. Burnaby Joe is to the Flames what Jarome is to the Wild: pure antagonistic, nemsisitic (it's a perfectly cromulent word) evil. Sure, he's been out for half the year with groin problems, but Im willing to bet he plays like a fresh-faced, 25 year-old again this evening.
Flames stuff: Eriksson/Warrener out, Vandermeer has looked decent so far, Nilson probably subbing in for Tanguay ("stinger"). I half expect Huselius to bust his slump as well now that he doesn't have to worry about packing his bags anymore.
Prediction - Calgary 3, Colorado 2. Huselius, Iginla and Phaneuf for Calgary, Sakic and Gusarov for the Avs.
Go Flames.
Flames Stand Pat
Looks like Jimmy Vandermeer was Calgary's lone "deadline deal" this year. Im disappointed a Warrener or Eriksson wasn't shuffled out the door or that Huselius wasn't dealt for a younger, cheaper player or two, but Im also happy Sutter didn't go into "buy" mode and mortgage future assets (Lombardi, Boyd, draft pick etc) in a vain attempt to put the team over the top. In short, coulda been better but coulda been worse too.
Probably the best part about all this is...no more stupid goddamn Tanguay rumors.
Probably the best part about all this is...no more stupid goddamn Tanguay rumors.
Monday, February 25, 2008
TD Open Thread
I'll use this post to add my thoughts to trades that pique my interest throughout the day. I'll update it as we move along.
- Might as well start with the Prospal deal. Flyers get Vaclav from the Lightning and sends young defenseman Picard and a 2nd rounder the other way. This may put a dampener on my Huselius to Phildelphia predictions, although with the recent injury to Mike Richards, Philly may be looking to add more than one top 6 forward.
Seems like a relatively cheap price for a decent rental like Prospal, although I admittedly don't know much about Picard - maybe he's a blue chipper (though I doubt it). If that's the going rate for guys like Juice, then I doubt Sutter deals him. On the other hand, the demand for Huselius (and therefore price) may go up now that the available pool of guys has shrunk (Sundin, Prospal, Forsberg, Hunter off the market). I guess we'll see.
- Belak to Florida!! Wait...why the hell would anyone trade anything for Wade Belak?? I suppose in his quest to make the post-season, Martin wants his team to get...older, slower, less capable at just about everything, more expensive and just a tad uglier. Personally, I'd rather have the 5th rounder.
- Seems Brian Campbell is off To San Jose. Not sure on the return yet. That certainly makes the Sharks a bit better in the short term. If I were to guess on the package heading the other way, Im thinking one or both of Carle and Bernier.
EDIT - Bernier and a first rounder for Campbell. That seems like a pretty steep price to me. Great deal for Regier who wasn't going to be able to re-sign Soupy anyways.
- Word is Dallas has won the Brad Richards sweepstakes. Still some question of the return and IF he'll waive his NTC. Assuming he does and depending on what they get back, this could be a big win for the Lightning. I'm sure Smith is part of the package, which gives them an instant upgrade in net going forward. As for Dallas...they get better in the short-term, but having more than 12M locked up in Riberio and Richards seems like a pretty shaky strategy in the long run.
EDIT - Holmqvist and Richards for Smith, Jokinen and Halpern, apparently. Holmqvist is UFA next year, so no salary issues there. Halpern and Jokinen probably don't replace Richards, but Smith should certainly make a difference for the Bolts. The best news for Tamba-Bay is that Jokinen (1.8) Halpern (2.0M) and Smith (900K) are still drastically cheaper than the 7M+ Richards.
- In the "fuck me over in my pool" deal of the day, Huet has been moved by Montreal to Washington for a paltry 2nd round draft pick (I have him on 2 fantasy teams). Pretty baffling move by Gainey, whose team now looks poised to head into the play-offs with a 20 year-old goaltender. Price has looked good at time and awful at time this season. Patrick Roy he ain't. I guess the Habs wanted to get something for Huet before he bolted for free agency in the summer...but still seems like a bad bet to me.
As for Washington, great deal for them. One of their glaring weaknesses has been goaltending this year as Kolzig has been awful. I think Huet might just be their ticket to the post-season. Hopefully he plays all the games going forward and gets lots and lots of shut-outs.
- Tuomo Ruutu to Carolina for Andrew Ladd. Strange deal for both clubs, seems like shuffling deck chairs. Sadly, I was hoping Ruutu might make his way to Calgary as per a Matt suggestion earlier in the week. Oh well.
- Lots of good blogs covering the action today including Battle of Alberta, James Mirtle and the always great Jay Onrait at TSN. Check out Inside the Flames as well - not only for Flames news, but for clever little bon mots like this one:
Predictions for the Flames? One of the two extra defencemen — either Anders Eriksson or Rhett Warrener — goes and a forward to bolster the third line comes. Since we're just making this stuff up anyway, let's say Tampa Bay's Chris Gratton. Score the rumour a (bs4).
- 12:43 - Campbell on camera post-trade reax: He is really choked up about leaving Buffalo. Has anyone been this sad about leaving B-Town? Ever? In the history of the planet?
More Jay Onrait and less...everyone else...would instantly improve TSN.
- Foote to the Avs. Jesus, Colorado is really set on making a push. They've acquired Forsberg, Salei and Foote in 2 days. Goaltending is still a question mark there...but with the return of all these guys plus Sakic and Statsny off the IR, one has to think this is a much improved squad.
EDIT - first rounder going to Columbus in return. Ugh, steep price.
- Sergei Federov joins Alexander Ovechkin in Washington. Columbus is in sell mode and have liquidated a couple of pending UFA's for picks. Probably the smart move. Washington is going for the post-season and I'm honestly cheering for them to get there (even though I picked them to finish last in the East).
- Capitals make their 3rd deal of the day and grab Matt Cooke from the Canucks for Matt Pettinger. My thoughts? Good riddance Cooke, you filthy, cheap-shotting douchebag (feel free to add "cheap-shotting" to your personal lexicon).
- Hall Gill for a 2nd rounder? Really?
- The Blockbuster of the day: Hossa for Christensen, Armstrong, Esposito and a first. Penguins look scary in the short term, bu that might end up biting them in the ass later on.
- Sutter on the radio now. Looks like the Flames are standing pat. Not too disappointed, though I really would have liked to see some useless salary go out the door a la Hall Gill or Wade Belak.
- Might as well start with the Prospal deal. Flyers get Vaclav from the Lightning and sends young defenseman Picard and a 2nd rounder the other way. This may put a dampener on my Huselius to Phildelphia predictions, although with the recent injury to Mike Richards, Philly may be looking to add more than one top 6 forward.
Seems like a relatively cheap price for a decent rental like Prospal, although I admittedly don't know much about Picard - maybe he's a blue chipper (though I doubt it). If that's the going rate for guys like Juice, then I doubt Sutter deals him. On the other hand, the demand for Huselius (and therefore price) may go up now that the available pool of guys has shrunk (Sundin, Prospal, Forsberg, Hunter off the market). I guess we'll see.
- Belak to Florida!! Wait...why the hell would anyone trade anything for Wade Belak?? I suppose in his quest to make the post-season, Martin wants his team to get...older, slower, less capable at just about everything, more expensive and just a tad uglier. Personally, I'd rather have the 5th rounder.
- Seems Brian Campbell is off To San Jose. Not sure on the return yet. That certainly makes the Sharks a bit better in the short term. If I were to guess on the package heading the other way, Im thinking one or both of Carle and Bernier.
EDIT - Bernier and a first rounder for Campbell. That seems like a pretty steep price to me. Great deal for Regier who wasn't going to be able to re-sign Soupy anyways.
- Word is Dallas has won the Brad Richards sweepstakes. Still some question of the return and IF he'll waive his NTC. Assuming he does and depending on what they get back, this could be a big win for the Lightning. I'm sure Smith is part of the package, which gives them an instant upgrade in net going forward. As for Dallas...they get better in the short-term, but having more than 12M locked up in Riberio and Richards seems like a pretty shaky strategy in the long run.
EDIT - Holmqvist and Richards for Smith, Jokinen and Halpern, apparently. Holmqvist is UFA next year, so no salary issues there. Halpern and Jokinen probably don't replace Richards, but Smith should certainly make a difference for the Bolts. The best news for Tamba-Bay is that Jokinen (1.8) Halpern (2.0M) and Smith (900K) are still drastically cheaper than the 7M+ Richards.
- In the "fuck me over in my pool" deal of the day, Huet has been moved by Montreal to Washington for a paltry 2nd round draft pick (I have him on 2 fantasy teams). Pretty baffling move by Gainey, whose team now looks poised to head into the play-offs with a 20 year-old goaltender. Price has looked good at time and awful at time this season. Patrick Roy he ain't. I guess the Habs wanted to get something for Huet before he bolted for free agency in the summer...but still seems like a bad bet to me.
As for Washington, great deal for them. One of their glaring weaknesses has been goaltending this year as Kolzig has been awful. I think Huet might just be their ticket to the post-season. Hopefully he plays all the games going forward and gets lots and lots of shut-outs.
- Tuomo Ruutu to Carolina for Andrew Ladd. Strange deal for both clubs, seems like shuffling deck chairs. Sadly, I was hoping Ruutu might make his way to Calgary as per a Matt suggestion earlier in the week. Oh well.
- Lots of good blogs covering the action today including Battle of Alberta, James Mirtle and the always great Jay Onrait at TSN. Check out Inside the Flames as well - not only for Flames news, but for clever little bon mots like this one:
Predictions for the Flames? One of the two extra defencemen — either Anders Eriksson or Rhett Warrener — goes and a forward to bolster the third line comes. Since we're just making this stuff up anyway, let's say Tampa Bay's Chris Gratton. Score the rumour a (bs4).
- 12:43 - Campbell on camera post-trade reax: He is really choked up about leaving Buffalo. Has anyone been this sad about leaving B-Town? Ever? In the history of the planet?
More Jay Onrait and less...everyone else...would instantly improve TSN.
- Foote to the Avs. Jesus, Colorado is really set on making a push. They've acquired Forsberg, Salei and Foote in 2 days. Goaltending is still a question mark there...but with the return of all these guys plus Sakic and Statsny off the IR, one has to think this is a much improved squad.
EDIT - first rounder going to Columbus in return. Ugh, steep price.
- Sergei Federov joins Alexander Ovechkin in Washington. Columbus is in sell mode and have liquidated a couple of pending UFA's for picks. Probably the smart move. Washington is going for the post-season and I'm honestly cheering for them to get there (even though I picked them to finish last in the East).
- Capitals make their 3rd deal of the day and grab Matt Cooke from the Canucks for Matt Pettinger. My thoughts? Good riddance Cooke, you filthy, cheap-shotting douchebag (feel free to add "cheap-shotting" to your personal lexicon).
- Hall Gill for a 2nd rounder? Really?
- The Blockbuster of the day: Hossa for Christensen, Armstrong, Esposito and a first. Penguins look scary in the short term, bu that might end up biting them in the ass later on.
- Sutter on the radio now. Looks like the Flames are standing pat. Not too disappointed, though I really would have liked to see some useless salary go out the door a la Hall Gill or Wade Belak.
My Left Forsberg
So, Peter the Great IS returning to the NHL this year. The reason this news is getting space here is Chunky Moose and I started a "Forsberg" pool a week or so ago: $2 to enter, choose the team (Ottawa, Anaheim, Vancouver, Philly, Colorado, Nobody, other), winner takes the pot.
As it is, we both took Colorado.
Winner(s)!
As it is, we both took Colorado.
Winner(s)!
Deadline Poll Added
Decided to add a new trade poll (at right) for the next day and half. Just to kinda gauge who Flames fans think Sutter will deal. Might as well add some chum to the deadline feeding frenzy I figure.
You can select more than one option if you feel so inclined. If you choose "other", feel free to list who you think it'll be in the comments here.
You can select more than one option if you feel so inclined. If you choose "other", feel free to list who you think it'll be in the comments here.
Covering the MSM...elsewhere
I was recently solicited by Godd Till of the always excellent Coxbloc blog to give some of my thoughts on the Calgary sports media:
What is the relationship between players and press? Front office and press?
The players and media are pretty friendly. That seems to stem from guys like Jarome Iginla and Craig Conroy who are almost always willing to do interviews and are invariably smiling when doing them. It probably also comes from the lack of smear-pieces that are produced in town: both parties seemed motivated to keep the relationship "on good terms". The last time I can remember a player snapping at the media in scrum was Alex Tanguay when he was recently asked if he'd like to "remain in Calgary" ("That's a stupid question" was his obvious response).
The entire interview is here.
It was a bit of challenge for me because I pay less and less attention to the mainstream media these days, particularly the local rags in town. I'll check Inside the Flames every so often and peruse the Herald or Sun websites when I need some blog filler, but...I'm at the point now where I basically assume that if a worthy article springs up in the MSM, it will make it's way to the blogosphere anyways.
Anyways, check it out if you're weary of the trade deadline talk.
What is the relationship between players and press? Front office and press?
The players and media are pretty friendly. That seems to stem from guys like Jarome Iginla and Craig Conroy who are almost always willing to do interviews and are invariably smiling when doing them. It probably also comes from the lack of smear-pieces that are produced in town: both parties seemed motivated to keep the relationship "on good terms". The last time I can remember a player snapping at the media in scrum was Alex Tanguay when he was recently asked if he'd like to "remain in Calgary" ("That's a stupid question" was his obvious response).
The entire interview is here.
It was a bit of challenge for me because I pay less and less attention to the mainstream media these days, particularly the local rags in town. I'll check Inside the Flames every so often and peruse the Herald or Sun websites when I need some blog filler, but...I'm at the point now where I basically assume that if a worthy article springs up in the MSM, it will make it's way to the blogosphere anyways.
Anyways, check it out if you're weary of the trade deadline talk.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Flames @ Wild Preview
I don't feel like going too in depth on a Sunday morning. So let's just say, I feel good about the Flames last win (and first shut-out of the season) even if I don't particularly like how they went about it. The first period and a half were decent - they probably out-chanced the Red Wings, even with one of the limpest displays on the PP I've ever seen. Then, around the middle mark of the middle frame, Detroit pretty much took over. Even though they were lacking 4 of their top defenseman and a one of their top 6 forwards, the Red Wings looked like the far superior team for the remainder of the game, particularly in the 3rd when they out-shot the Flames 13-2 (and hit 2 goal-posts besides). On home ice against a severely depleted team, that just shouldn't happen.
Oh well. Kipper was finally good enough and lucky enough to pitch his first no-hitter on Friday. The only streak left to break now is David Hale's personal string of consecutive strike-outs. Hale's definitely played better in the latter half of the season which has led to the abolition of his former nickname around here (ie "fringe player") and it's obvious he's been pressing for that first career marker recently (anyone see him jump up into that short-handed 2on1 recently?). Still, it's hard to bet on him scoring any time soon...he's got the sort of shot control/power that make Todd Simpson smirk in smug superiority...
Anyways, division leading Minnesota Wild up today. They're up and down recently, going 5-3-2 in their last 10. Their goaltending and defense doesn't seem as good this year as previous times, but their scoring is making up the difference. A win this afternoon would catapult the Flames - temporarily - above the Wild in standings while a loss leaves us with Vancouver, Nashville and San Jose on the play-off bubble...
Prediction - Flames fall behind early but score 2 in the third to win it. Calgary 2 (Iginla, HALE!), Minny 1 (Rolston).
Go Flames
Oh well. Kipper was finally good enough and lucky enough to pitch his first no-hitter on Friday. The only streak left to break now is David Hale's personal string of consecutive strike-outs. Hale's definitely played better in the latter half of the season which has led to the abolition of his former nickname around here (ie "fringe player") and it's obvious he's been pressing for that first career marker recently (anyone see him jump up into that short-handed 2on1 recently?). Still, it's hard to bet on him scoring any time soon...he's got the sort of shot control/power that make Todd Simpson smirk in smug superiority...
Anyways, division leading Minnesota Wild up today. They're up and down recently, going 5-3-2 in their last 10. Their goaltending and defense doesn't seem as good this year as previous times, but their scoring is making up the difference. A win this afternoon would catapult the Flames - temporarily - above the Wild in standings while a loss leaves us with Vancouver, Nashville and San Jose on the play-off bubble...
Prediction - Flames fall behind early but score 2 in the third to win it. Calgary 2 (Iginla, HALE!), Minny 1 (Rolston).
Go Flames
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Spinning the Trade Wheel
Experienced and observant Flames fans are (painfully) aware that Sutter prefers guys he knows when it comes to trades/signings. If he's not familiar, then it's guys one of his brothers knows. Also, Western Canadian skaters are invariably preferred over and above everyone else.
With that in mind, and couched in the overarching context of the deadline (buyers, sellers, contract values, budget concerns, etc) who do you see Sutter pursuing between now and Tuesday? To my eye, Scottie Upshall is starting to look like a Sutter type pick-up (I keep going back to the Flyers because their pursuing Huselius just seems to make a lot of sense), for several reasons:
- He's relatively young (24)
- cheap (1.25M)
- was born in Fort Mcmurray AB,
- played his junior career with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL
- and was a former first rounder (which Sutter seems to like as well).
Upshall has just 19 points in 42 games with Philly this year and has been plagued by injuries during his short career, specifically wrist and ankle problems. He's therefore likely seen as expendable in the Philly organization, especially behind guys like (my previous suggestions) Carter and Umberger.
Upshall alone isn't enough for huselius in my opinion. The hypothetical deal would have to involve at least another decent future asset from the Flyers to make it worth the Flames while.
Anyways, any other suggestions/predictions? Play some "six degrees of Sutter" and see if you can predict Darryl's next move...
With that in mind, and couched in the overarching context of the deadline (buyers, sellers, contract values, budget concerns, etc) who do you see Sutter pursuing between now and Tuesday? To my eye, Scottie Upshall is starting to look like a Sutter type pick-up (I keep going back to the Flyers because their pursuing Huselius just seems to make a lot of sense), for several reasons:
- He's relatively young (24)
- cheap (1.25M)
- was born in Fort Mcmurray AB,
- played his junior career with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL
- and was a former first rounder (which Sutter seems to like as well).
Upshall has just 19 points in 42 games with Philly this year and has been plagued by injuries during his short career, specifically wrist and ankle problems. He's therefore likely seen as expendable in the Philly organization, especially behind guys like (my previous suggestions) Carter and Umberger.
Upshall alone isn't enough for huselius in my opinion. The hypothetical deal would have to involve at least another decent future asset from the Flyers to make it worth the Flames while.
Anyways, any other suggestions/predictions? Play some "six degrees of Sutter" and see if you can predict Darryl's next move...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Big Bad Detroit in town
Or rather, Moderately-Sized Bad Detroit in town. The Red Wings are hurting both literally (injuries to Lidtrom, Rafalski, Hasek, Kronvall and Cleary) and figuratively (4-5-1 in their last 10) and are probably at the peak of their vulnerability. Wouldn't it be ironic* if in their efforts to avoid Detroit in the first round, the Flames beat Detroit?
*(Is that irony? I'll have to consult Alanis on that one...)
Injured or not, losing or not, the Wings still scare the shit out of me. They've won all 3 meetings this year and 8 of the last 10 (going back to last year's play-offs) against the Flames. Their big guns almost always seem to beat up on our big guns and Babcock is a great coach.
Still, the few wins the Flames have versus the Wings the last couple of seasons all happened in the Dome, so that's something. Plus, new ace-in-the-hole, super-secret weapon Jim Vandermeer will be making his Calgary debut tonight (tremble before his might!). Predictably, Vandermeer will be lining up with Phaneuf to start, pushing Aucoin down into the 3rd pairing with Hale (where Adrian excels) and Warrener right out of the line-up (with Anders Eriksson, where they both excel...hooray!). This is all good news assuming Vandermeer is better than Rhetzky or Bubba and, let's face, that can't be all that hard**.
**(Fun fact - Dion Phaneuf has 4 points and is +5 in the last two games, both with Eriksson watching from the pressbox. During the month of October, Phaneuf had 3 goals, 6 assists and was a +10 in 12 games played. Again, when he wasn't partnered with Anders Eriksson. Coincidence?)
Other probably good news: Iginla and Tanguay have shown signs of awakening from extended slumps. Tanguay*** in particular was outstanding last game, scoring twice including an eye-popping, short-handed, toe-drag around hall-of-fame center, go-ahead goal in the 3rd. Alex had gone 16 games between goals, so that was a nice back-monkey to shake.
***(Did you know that Tanguay might be traded for Micheal Ryder?? If not, TSN mentions it -- again -- in their Flames/Red Wings preview. Worry not, though, Flames fans! Ryder could be an "offensive upgrade"! According to Pierre McGuire at least.)
For his part, Iginla now has 6 goals in his last 8 games after that 10 game goalless drought back at the start of the month. He has 9 points total over that span and managed a +5 rating as well. Actually the best sign might be that Jarome looks REALLY PISSED OFF a lot these days; and it's conventional wisdom that Iggy plays better mad. He's been in two fights the last 3 games and is one major away from matching his season high (set in '00-'01 I think). Good stuff (as long as he doesn't injure himself, of course).
One final note - I would expect Dustin Boyd to draw in for either Smith or Godard. Neither played much against the Stars and either would prove to be equally as useless (moreso?) against the Wings. Boyd can also be sheltered a bit more by Keenan on home ice, which means he'll be less of a liability. Expect a Godard-Boyd-Nilson or Smith-Boyd-Nilson 4th line this evening.
Prediction - Vandermeer records a rare hat-trick/triple fight night. He scores 3 goals and then beats up Aaron Downey a couple of times (and Dallas Drake for good measure). Unfortunately, it's not enough to defeat the Wings or quiet the Tanguay rumors. Flames 3 (Vandermeer X3), Red Wings 4 (Zetterberg X2, Filpulla, Holmstrom).
Go Flames.
PS - Kudos to Corey Sarich for coming back in after having having 5 teeth pushed into his head by a stray puck last game. He may have played like crap the last month or so, but that's pretty ballsy. Also, it was Sarich that brushed the puck off the goal line and out of the net which was followed shortly by Tanguay's SH goal.
*(Is that irony? I'll have to consult Alanis on that one...)
Injured or not, losing or not, the Wings still scare the shit out of me. They've won all 3 meetings this year and 8 of the last 10 (going back to last year's play-offs) against the Flames. Their big guns almost always seem to beat up on our big guns and Babcock is a great coach.
Still, the few wins the Flames have versus the Wings the last couple of seasons all happened in the Dome, so that's something. Plus, new ace-in-the-hole, super-secret weapon Jim Vandermeer will be making his Calgary debut tonight (tremble before his might!). Predictably, Vandermeer will be lining up with Phaneuf to start, pushing Aucoin down into the 3rd pairing with Hale (where Adrian excels) and Warrener right out of the line-up (with Anders Eriksson, where they both excel...hooray!). This is all good news assuming Vandermeer is better than Rhetzky or Bubba and, let's face, that can't be all that hard**.
**(Fun fact - Dion Phaneuf has 4 points and is +5 in the last two games, both with Eriksson watching from the pressbox. During the month of October, Phaneuf had 3 goals, 6 assists and was a +10 in 12 games played. Again, when he wasn't partnered with Anders Eriksson. Coincidence?)
Other probably good news: Iginla and Tanguay have shown signs of awakening from extended slumps. Tanguay*** in particular was outstanding last game, scoring twice including an eye-popping, short-handed, toe-drag around hall-of-fame center, go-ahead goal in the 3rd. Alex had gone 16 games between goals, so that was a nice back-monkey to shake.
***(Did you know that Tanguay might be traded for Micheal Ryder?? If not, TSN mentions it -- again -- in their Flames/Red Wings preview. Worry not, though, Flames fans! Ryder could be an "offensive upgrade"! According to Pierre McGuire at least.)
For his part, Iginla now has 6 goals in his last 8 games after that 10 game goalless drought back at the start of the month. He has 9 points total over that span and managed a +5 rating as well. Actually the best sign might be that Jarome looks REALLY PISSED OFF a lot these days; and it's conventional wisdom that Iggy plays better mad. He's been in two fights the last 3 games and is one major away from matching his season high (set in '00-'01 I think). Good stuff (as long as he doesn't injure himself, of course).
One final note - I would expect Dustin Boyd to draw in for either Smith or Godard. Neither played much against the Stars and either would prove to be equally as useless (moreso?) against the Wings. Boyd can also be sheltered a bit more by Keenan on home ice, which means he'll be less of a liability. Expect a Godard-Boyd-Nilson or Smith-Boyd-Nilson 4th line this evening.
Prediction - Vandermeer records a rare hat-trick/triple fight night. He scores 3 goals and then beats up Aaron Downey a couple of times (and Dallas Drake for good measure). Unfortunately, it's not enough to defeat the Wings or quiet the Tanguay rumors. Flames 3 (Vandermeer X3), Red Wings 4 (Zetterberg X2, Filpulla, Holmstrom).
Go Flames.
PS - Kudos to Corey Sarich for coming back in after having having 5 teeth pushed into his head by a stray puck last game. He may have played like crap the last month or so, but that's pretty ballsy. Also, it was Sarich that brushed the puck off the goal line and out of the net which was followed shortly by Tanguay's SH goal.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
More Trade Speculation
With the Flyers losing LW Simon Gagne for the season and also losing ground in the Eastern Conference, it's possible they're in the market for a top 6 LWer going into the stretch drive. As mentioned previously in this space, they have more than 49M committed to next year with guys like RJ Umberger (RFA), Jeff Carter (RFA), Riley Cote (RFA) and JASON Smith (UFA) needing to be re-signed or replaced. Would Huselius for Carter or Umberger make sense for both teams? Carter is definitely the more attractive option, but the Flyers may be loathe to part with him. Granting that, is Umberger enough for Kristian at the deadline?
Just food for thought.
Just food for thought.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Jim Vandermeer a Flame
A few months ago when I'd determined that Aucoin was a 3rd pairing defender and Eriksson was a 5th pairing guy, I noticed that Chicago was scratching Jim Vandermeer. I mentioned to blogmate Chunky Moose that the Flames might want a take a run at acquiring him, since he seems like a capable enough player that could be had for cheap. True story.
Voila.
TSN reports that Calgary has traded a 3 round pick in '09 to the Philadelphia Flyers for Vandermeer. Peanuts.
Jimmy's been passed around like cheerleader at frat party this year, first starting with the Hawks, then moving to the Flyers and now being dealt to the Flames. Poor bastard. I'm not sure what makes him so expendable: he's cheap (1.225M), young (27), and certainly not terrible by the numbers (although not great either). Through 50 odd games this year he has a middling GA/60 on rate according to behind the net (2.49) and he's played low level competition (-0.05), though Im not sure how the latter figure translates across his various teams. He's scored 3 goals and 15 points this year with almost no PP time and seems to be a decent PKer (more than 2 minutes/game, 4.72 GA/60). If you're looking for the "6 degrees of Sutter", Vandemeer is originally from Alberta and he spent his WHL Junior career in - you guessed it - Red Deer.
My take? I like it. This should push Eriksson a little further down the depth chart where he belongs. If Jim doesn't turn out, the Flames can let him bolt for free agency this summer. If he does, however, Sutter can probably re-sign him for a decent number (assuming one or more of the scrubs are cleared out in the meantime).
Voila.
TSN reports that Calgary has traded a 3 round pick in '09 to the Philadelphia Flyers for Vandermeer. Peanuts.
Jimmy's been passed around like cheerleader at frat party this year, first starting with the Hawks, then moving to the Flyers and now being dealt to the Flames. Poor bastard. I'm not sure what makes him so expendable: he's cheap (1.225M), young (27), and certainly not terrible by the numbers (although not great either). Through 50 odd games this year he has a middling GA/60 on rate according to behind the net (2.49) and he's played low level competition (-0.05), though Im not sure how the latter figure translates across his various teams. He's scored 3 goals and 15 points this year with almost no PP time and seems to be a decent PKer (more than 2 minutes/game, 4.72 GA/60). If you're looking for the "6 degrees of Sutter", Vandemeer is originally from Alberta and he spent his WHL Junior career in - you guessed it - Red Deer.
My take? I like it. This should push Eriksson a little further down the depth chart where he belongs. If Jim doesn't turn out, the Flames can let him bolt for free agency this summer. If he does, however, Sutter can probably re-sign him for a decent number (assuming one or more of the scrubs are cleared out in the meantime).
Dallas Pre-game Bullets
- The stars are the hottest team in the NHL, winning 9 of their last 10. They have the 2nd most points in the league behind Detroit and a GD of +28.
- The Flames were one of those recent 9 victories. The funny thing is it was probably one Calgary's better efforts of the season. The stars won thanks to 2 really improbable goals and inhuman goaltending from Marty Turco (who's back in net tonight). In fact, that defeat was the beginning of this little plunge into suckitude by Calgary. It would be fitting if the climb back to respectability could start tonight in Dallas.
- Dion Phaneuf has been outstanding recently. He has 10 points in his last 7 games, including 6 goals, giving him 44 points on the season. Last night, he beat up Shane Doan in the first 2 minutes of play and was on the ice for all 4 goals for, including the game winner (which he scored). He's now on pace to finish with 60 points, his best season ever.
- The big guns looked consistently dangerous last night for the first time since...the last Dallas game actually. Iginla scored twice, but probably could have had 4. Huselius also narrowly missed potting a couple. A return to form by the offensive difference makers would go a long way to getting this club back on track (and further away from the dreaded 8th place finish).
- Matthew Lombardi has quietly put together some pretty decent games recently with Stephane Yelle and Moss/Primeau. The results haven't shown up on the scoresheet, but to my eye that line finally looks like it's playing it's opposition to evens (or perhaps out-shooting them) regularly. Lombo in particular also seems to be drawing a lot of penalties.
- Speaking of which: Sarich needs to stop a taking a minor penalty per game. He's one of the top PIM getters on the Flames and it limits his effectiveness as a shut-down guy.
- Kipper or CuJo tonight? Kipper, of course. Im surprised Curtis didn't play last night, but when your team is desperate for every point it can get...
- I hope Eriksson is scratched again. Warrener scares me to death half the time, but at least he's limited to the 3rd pairing when he draws in, unlike Bubba.
- Finally, a query: what will happen first? Kipper gets a shut-out or David Hale scores a goal?
Late night arrival and back to back games and all that. I'll be happy (and surprised) if the Calgary manages a point against a very strong opponent tonight.
Go Flames
Throw in a Bridge in Brooklyn and we have a deal
De-bunking ridiculous trade rumors is like playing whack-a-mole these days. I mean, seriously, I thought we'd gotten past all this stupid "Tanguay for Ryder" crap. I mean, the Flames DONT NEED CAP SPACE THIS YEAR. They need it NEXT year. So why in Gods name would Sutter deal Tanguay for an under-achieving, pending UFA winger, whose best season in league is about on par with Alex's worst?? Particularly in the middle of ferocious battle for a play-off spot???
Stupid, yes? Senseless, right? Not in a million years would Sutter be that gullible, you assume? Paid experts wouldn't give this ridiculousness a moments thought, you say?
Wrong.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, Tanguay - who could go to the Canadiens for forward Michael Ryder and a draft pick - is one of a few other players Gainey is pushing for.
Got that? Ryder "and a pick". Unless the Canadiens somehow get their hands on first overall and make it part of the package, I call bullshit.
UPDATE - And Sutter once again implies that the press is just a bunch of blind guys in the dark without canes:
Rumours swirled overnight that the Calgary Flames were shopping winger Alex Tanguay - with Montreal perhaps offering up winger Michael Ryder - but that was news to Flames GM Darryl Sutter.
"There are not a lot of names being thrown around, so if you're getting those names perhaps you could pass them along to me," Sutter told reporters before heading to the airport.
Stupid, yes? Senseless, right? Not in a million years would Sutter be that gullible, you assume? Paid experts wouldn't give this ridiculousness a moments thought, you say?
Wrong.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, Tanguay - who could go to the Canadiens for forward Michael Ryder and a draft pick - is one of a few other players Gainey is pushing for.
Got that? Ryder "and a pick". Unless the Canadiens somehow get their hands on first overall and make it part of the package, I call bullshit.
UPDATE - And Sutter once again implies that the press is just a bunch of blind guys in the dark without canes:
Rumours swirled overnight that the Calgary Flames were shopping winger Alex Tanguay - with Montreal perhaps offering up winger Michael Ryder - but that was news to Flames GM Darryl Sutter.
"There are not a lot of names being thrown around, so if you're getting those names perhaps you could pass them along to me," Sutter told reporters before heading to the airport.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I don't want to alarm anyone but...
..the Flames have as many points as the Phoenix Coyotes. That's right, two thirds of the way through the year and the Flames are jousting for a play-off spot with the GOD DAMNED PHOENIX COYOTES. With apologies to Gretzky and his players and what they've accomplished this year, that's friggen ridiculous. I should also mention that the 'Yotes have more wins (31 vs 29), superior special teams (9th PP, 16th PK vs 21st PP, 22nd PK) and a better GD (+4 vs -4). The final kick in the groin? Their roster is about 10M cheaper than the Flames as well.
Ugh. If that isn't enough to send you red-faced and teary-eyed to the liquor cabinet, consider that David Moss has re-injured his ankle. That means more of Wayne Primeau in the line-up (probably). The big guns are still mis-firing, with Iginla spending a lot of time fishing for pucks in his skates while Langkow and Huselius are busy regressing back to their career norms. Tanguay looks as uneasy on the ice as he did when he first got here (trade deadline might have something to do with that) and only one in five passes from the defensemen to the forwards on the transition actually succeeds. On top of that fetid shit pile is a consistently inconsistent Kiprusoff, whose SV% has once again slipped below the base level for average NHL 'tenders (0.900) once again. In short, things are getting ugly. Sutter has about a week to decide if he wants to hang on to guys like Huselius and Langkow and make a hard charge towards the play-offs, or convert them into younger, cheaper players and future assets. Flames can make that decision a little easier or little more difficult for him this evening.
Anyways, let's forgo the prediction for tonight. I'll simply cross the fingers of the hand that isn't gripping the whiskey bottle and hope for the best.
Ugh. If that isn't enough to send you red-faced and teary-eyed to the liquor cabinet, consider that David Moss has re-injured his ankle. That means more of Wayne Primeau in the line-up (probably). The big guns are still mis-firing, with Iginla spending a lot of time fishing for pucks in his skates while Langkow and Huselius are busy regressing back to their career norms. Tanguay looks as uneasy on the ice as he did when he first got here (trade deadline might have something to do with that) and only one in five passes from the defensemen to the forwards on the transition actually succeeds. On top of that fetid shit pile is a consistently inconsistent Kiprusoff, whose SV% has once again slipped below the base level for average NHL 'tenders (0.900) once again. In short, things are getting ugly. Sutter has about a week to decide if he wants to hang on to guys like Huselius and Langkow and make a hard charge towards the play-offs, or convert them into younger, cheaper players and future assets. Flames can make that decision a little easier or little more difficult for him this evening.
Anyways, let's forgo the prediction for tonight. I'll simply cross the fingers of the hand that isn't gripping the whiskey bottle and hope for the best.
Just thinkin' out loud
This season is unique in that both major Stanley Cup contenders have significant goalie woes heading into the post-season. Meaning they may be pretty desperate for a significant upgrade between the pipes. Now, I know this will never happen and I may get lynched for even suggesting it, but...
What kind of return would make it worth the Flames while to deal Kipper to Detroit or Ottawa?
Holmstrom+Konvall+Osgood?
Volchenkov+Vermette+Emery?
Would you do it?
What kind of return would make it worth the Flames while to deal Kipper to Detroit or Ottawa?
Holmstrom+Konvall+Osgood?
Volchenkov+Vermette+Emery?
Would you do it?
RIP Mickey
This weekend, 19 year-old Flames prospect Mickey Renaud collapsed and died in his home of a suspected aneurysm. He was chosen in the 5th round by the Flames in last years entry draft and was the Captain of the WHL Windsor Spitfires. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Battle of New Arena Funding
If you need to distract yourself from the Flames utter crappiness, click over to Andy Grabia's fantastic interview with noted economist Brad Humphreys. Grabia has been fighting the pro-new-arena hegemony that has arisen in Edmonton over the last 18 months or so. This is his latest salvo and it's a doozy.
Why should (Alberta resident) Flames fans care about this stuff you ask? From the interview:
People interested in providing government subsidies to sports teams – team owners, real estate developers, elected officials, and others who will benefit directly from these subsidies – loudly and consistently claim that large, important economic benefits flow from professional sports. Their evidence takes the form of (1) unsupported assertions (“of course these benefits exist!”) coupled with ad hominem attacks on opponents (“only an idiot, or an economist, would believe that sports aren’t great for the local economy”) or (2) Economic Impact Studies that are really promotional forecasts based on badly flawed methodology. [...]
Should Calgary Flames fans care about this issue?
Yes, because, like it or not, if the Province subsidizes the construction of a new arena in Edmonton, they will be paying for it too. Government dollars are fungible, and $100 million of Provincial money spent in Edmonton is $100 million not spent somewhere else.
In addition, there's been rumblings that the Flames will be looking into a new arena sometime in the near future. I haven't heard any specifics on the topic, but there's a good chance this fight is going to have to be fought all over again in a few years.
Why should (Alberta resident) Flames fans care about this stuff you ask? From the interview:
People interested in providing government subsidies to sports teams – team owners, real estate developers, elected officials, and others who will benefit directly from these subsidies – loudly and consistently claim that large, important economic benefits flow from professional sports. Their evidence takes the form of (1) unsupported assertions (“of course these benefits exist!”) coupled with ad hominem attacks on opponents (“only an idiot, or an economist, would believe that sports aren’t great for the local economy”) or (2) Economic Impact Studies that are really promotional forecasts based on badly flawed methodology. [...]
Should Calgary Flames fans care about this issue?
Yes, because, like it or not, if the Province subsidizes the construction of a new arena in Edmonton, they will be paying for it too. Government dollars are fungible, and $100 million of Provincial money spent in Edmonton is $100 million not spent somewhere else.
In addition, there's been rumblings that the Flames will be looking into a new arena sometime in the near future. I haven't heard any specifics on the topic, but there's a good chance this fight is going to have to be fought all over again in a few years.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Flames @ Ducks - Fear and Trembling
Lots and lots of problems facing the Flames going into tonight. They've played a lot of shitty games in February (again!) culminating in the 6-3 hammering they suffered at the hands of the Kings - the worst team in the league - Friday night. They're stuck on the meniscus of the play-off bubble and the trade deadline is fast approaching. Does Sutter load up in a vain attempt to push his team into the first round (and beyond)? Or does he deal his attractive pieces (Langkow and Huselius) in an attempt to acquire some cheap/young assets for next year? In their current manifestation, the Flames don't look like they can move any of their difference makers without suffering some performance repercussions (potentially meaning no play-offs and/or loss in the first round) while next seasons roster is looking really expensive and really lacking in viable NHL quality forwards.
Decisions, decisions...
As for tonight, the Ducks will be looking to solve their persistent scoring problems against a team that has allowed 11 goals in 2 games against Edmonton and LA recently. As evidenced by the first period in Hollywood, the Flames are still struggling with issues in their own end. The big guns aren't overwhelming the opposition like they were earlier in the year and guys like Smith, Godard, Eriksson and occassionally, Dion Phaneuf continue to be detrimental to varying degrees in the defensive zone. Then there's Miikka Kiprusoff, who despite a slowing climbing SV%, continues to be less than stellar on a consistent basis. The Shut-outless count has reached over 50 games this year. And counting.
Some good stuff:
Lombardi et al were excellent on Friday against the Kings. They generated pressure and chances almost every time they hopped over the boards and didn't get scored on, despite the Flames yielding 6 goals against. Lomabrdi has slowly looked like the guy I like and remember since being deployed with actual NHL players the last few weeks. If one of his wingers actually had a goal scoring bone in his body, his point total over the last few weeks would be less pedestrian no doubt.
Dustin Boyd got scored on 3 times versus the Kings...but he still looked pretty damn good, particularly on his 5th goal of the year. He's detrimental mainly because of his POS wingers (Godard and Smith) and is another guy that would benefit greatly from playing with NHL caliber vets (Nilson perhaps?).
Anyways, prediction time. Flames have been pretty random in Feb, so let's go with that. Flames __ (set to generate 1 integer between 0 and 10), Ducks __ (same deal).
Let me know what your random predictions turn out to be*.
*(repeat if tie is yielded)
Go Flames.
Decisions, decisions...
As for tonight, the Ducks will be looking to solve their persistent scoring problems against a team that has allowed 11 goals in 2 games against Edmonton and LA recently. As evidenced by the first period in Hollywood, the Flames are still struggling with issues in their own end. The big guns aren't overwhelming the opposition like they were earlier in the year and guys like Smith, Godard, Eriksson and occassionally, Dion Phaneuf continue to be detrimental to varying degrees in the defensive zone. Then there's Miikka Kiprusoff, who despite a slowing climbing SV%, continues to be less than stellar on a consistent basis. The Shut-outless count has reached over 50 games this year. And counting.
Some good stuff:
Lombardi et al were excellent on Friday against the Kings. They generated pressure and chances almost every time they hopped over the boards and didn't get scored on, despite the Flames yielding 6 goals against. Lomabrdi has slowly looked like the guy I like and remember since being deployed with actual NHL players the last few weeks. If one of his wingers actually had a goal scoring bone in his body, his point total over the last few weeks would be less pedestrian no doubt.
Dustin Boyd got scored on 3 times versus the Kings...but he still looked pretty damn good, particularly on his 5th goal of the year. He's detrimental mainly because of his POS wingers (Godard and Smith) and is another guy that would benefit greatly from playing with NHL caliber vets (Nilson perhaps?).
Anyways, prediction time. Flames have been pretty random in Feb, so let's go with that. Flames __ (set to generate 1 integer between 0 and 10), Ducks __ (same deal).
Let me know what your random predictions turn out to be*.
*(repeat if tie is yielded)
Go Flames.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Flames Game Night
It's actually pretty amazing how results-oriented the general fanbase's interpretations and reactions of a game can be. For example, on messageboards and elsewhere there was a lot of post-Shark-rationalization in light of the Flames improbable victory that suggested the game wasn't that terribly lop-sided and, in fact, perhaps Calgary actually "deserved" the win. Of course, on many other nights where Kipper isn't inhuman or neither of the Flames first two low-percentage plays don't go in the net, a very similar match would result in a 7-2 ass-whooping and much hand wringing and wailing afterwards.
So let's not fool ourselves here. The Flames were out-shot more than 2-1 and probably out-chanced by the same ratio. They won by the grace of the hockey gods. It was their 3rd piss poor performance in the last 6 games and it's getting harder and harder to predict how this club is going to play on a nightly basis.
As such, Im not sure what to say about tonight. The opponent is the abysmal LA Kings, against whom the Flames have had a lot of success this year, thankfully. Of course, thanks to the incessant yo-yoing by Calgary since the start of the new calender, it's equally possibly they'll come out and crush the Kings 6-1 or completely and totally shit the bed and get crushed 5-0. So, flip a coin for the prediction.
One thing that might just be a certainty though: Miikka Kiprusoff won't get a shut-out while Anders Eriksson is playing top 4 minutes. Bubba's presence besides Phaneuf against anyone besides scrubs pretty much assures a number of quality scoring chances against every game. I can't imagine why this state of affairs persists, besides, perhaps, the possibility that an Eriksson/Hale duo just makes Keenan way too nervous...
Anyways, enough humbug. Here's a speculative exercise to distract you from the above depressing post:
Assuming a deal involving one of the Flames key UFAs (Langkow, Huselius) is mediated by the nature of the return, what do YOU think Sutter would need to get in a trade for a.) Langkow or b.) Huselius in order to make the transaction "worth it" from a Flames perspective? All budgetary concerns for next year considered, of course.
So let's not fool ourselves here. The Flames were out-shot more than 2-1 and probably out-chanced by the same ratio. They won by the grace of the hockey gods. It was their 3rd piss poor performance in the last 6 games and it's getting harder and harder to predict how this club is going to play on a nightly basis.
As such, Im not sure what to say about tonight. The opponent is the abysmal LA Kings, against whom the Flames have had a lot of success this year, thankfully. Of course, thanks to the incessant yo-yoing by Calgary since the start of the new calender, it's equally possibly they'll come out and crush the Kings 6-1 or completely and totally shit the bed and get crushed 5-0. So, flip a coin for the prediction.
One thing that might just be a certainty though: Miikka Kiprusoff won't get a shut-out while Anders Eriksson is playing top 4 minutes. Bubba's presence besides Phaneuf against anyone besides scrubs pretty much assures a number of quality scoring chances against every game. I can't imagine why this state of affairs persists, besides, perhaps, the possibility that an Eriksson/Hale duo just makes Keenan way too nervous...
Anyways, enough humbug. Here's a speculative exercise to distract you from the above depressing post:
Assuming a deal involving one of the Flames key UFAs (Langkow, Huselius) is mediated by the nature of the return, what do YOU think Sutter would need to get in a trade for a.) Langkow or b.) Huselius in order to make the transaction "worth it" from a Flames perspective? All budgetary concerns for next year considered, of course.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
To Philadelphia Flyers Fans
...I have no idea why Sports Illustrated is directing you here. This is a Calgary Flames-centric blog. However, to justify your click, here's some Flyer's related queries:
Is Jeff Carter available and what do you think it would take to get him? How much do you think it will cost to re-sign him in the off-season?
Responses appreciated. From anyone, be you Flyers fan or otherwise.
Is Jeff Carter available and what do you think it would take to get him? How much do you think it will cost to re-sign him in the off-season?
Responses appreciated. From anyone, be you Flyers fan or otherwise.
Flames Round-up
Can't think of anything to talk about on my own so I figured I'd go the blog filler route today. Here are some of the most recent Flames focused stories making the rounds in Calgary:
Scott Cruickshank talks about Godard's 21 game fightless drought and the changing role of the pugilist in the NHL:
"What happened was a mid-season slump -- I don't know what you want to call it, but it wasn't working," explains Godard, 27. "That was the most frustrating point I've had in many, many years. It was affecting my game. I wanted to fight . . . but it almost took me out of my role. I found myself very frustrated . . . second-guessing opportunities. That's the toughest thing.
"Before that, I'd been playing better, getting into fights. It was more of a rhythm, everything was flowing. I was getting the job done pretty well. Then it got very frustrating."
Randy Sportak spends some time with the Flames very veteran - and very expensive - healthy scratches during an optional practice:
"It's tough. It's not something you like," said Warrener [...]"I don't think I've necessarily played out of the lineup, so you sit back and ponder. But you've got to stay positive and work hard because you know you'll eventually be playing again and want to be ready to go."
"I've been out so many games, I don't think I can try to do anything extra," said Nilson, scratched 23 of the last 27 outings. "I've played quite a few games ,so I know what to do. It takes a few games to get back in the groove. Hopefully I'll get those games."
Instead of pondering his time in the press-box, Rhett should be pondering retirement. Seriously.
The Herald's John Down (whom I've never heard of...new guy?) takes a look at John Negrin, whose performance this year is suggesting a third round steal:
Negrin is a rapidly developing rearguard who continues to take large steps forward. Although not physically punishing, he ushers opposing forwards off the puck with relative ease [...]
"...once John settled down and simplified his game a little bit, he's really taken off." (says coach Mark Holick) "He's got 30-some assists, he chips in with some intelligent play from the point on the power play and he's good defensively."
Finally, Eric Fancis notes that former 2nd round pick and WHL star Jared Aulin has been tearing up the CIS hockey league with the Calgary Dinos this year. And that the Flames have taken notice:
"...He's once again drawing plenty of interest from the NHL, where the former second-round draft pick may just be returning as early as next season.
Not only has player agent Don Meehan recently dropped a line to rekindle acquaintances, but Flames coaches Rich Preston and Wayne Fleming attended the Dinos game Friday, where Aulin worked more magic.
Forced to miss the team's first 10 games while sitting out a full calendar year from his last professional game, Aulin has helped turn around a team that started 1-5-4.
The Dinos are 14-2 in Aulin's 16 games thanks to his 14 goals and 20 assists, which has him second only to linemate Ryan Annesley in Canada West play.
Aulin was chosen 47th overall in the 2000 entry draft by the Colorado Avalanche (right after Jarrett Stoll at number 46 by the Calgary Flames), although he was frequently mentioned amongst the best prospects at the time (including Heatley, Gaborik and Hartnell). Here's a brief scouting review by Redline Reports Kyle Woodlief from 2000:
C Jared Aulin (Canada): Skill! He's as talented as they come, good skater, excellent puck skills and probably has the best playmaking ability and hockey sense in the draft. His size is only a short-term problem if he bulks up his frame in the weight room next summer. Still looks like a top five selection from here, though.
Aulin scored 37 goals and 108 points in this 3rd full season with the WHL Kamloops Blazers. His final year was shortened by injury, but he still managed 33 goals and 67 points in just 46 games (and a +30 rating). He was moved to the LA Kings in a trade and played on their AHL squad the following year, scoring 12 goals and 44 points in 44 games in his first pro season. He also played 12 games in the bigs that year (02/03), managing just 4 points. After that, Aulin bounced around the AHL, battling confidence and injury issues. He was traded again in 04, this time by the Kings to the Washington Capitals for Anson Carter. He played one season for the Hershey Bears and then 13 games for the Springfield Falcons the next season before bowing out of the minor league grind altogether.
As mentioned in the Francis article, Aulin thought we was finished with hockey for good after he was nearly decaptiated by an angry opponent in a beer league game six months ago. His resurrection in the CIS may be his unlikely path to the NHL or, more probably, it could just be a feel good story for a previously promising, but ultimately failed, former prospect.
From a Flames perspective, he's probably worth the minimal risk, assuming a 2-way, ultra-cheap contract. He's still just 25 years old after all. Hell, I'm willing to bet he's better than Kris "First Round Bust" Chucko at the very least and could likely add some offense to the sputtering QC Flames. At best, you have a Daniel Cleary type reclamation project on your hands. At worst, you make your farm team slightly more competitive in the short term. If Meehan does manage to broker a try-out and contract for Ailin, it'll be interesting to see if this develops any further, whether it occurs in Calgary or elsewhere.
Scott Cruickshank talks about Godard's 21 game fightless drought and the changing role of the pugilist in the NHL:
"What happened was a mid-season slump -- I don't know what you want to call it, but it wasn't working," explains Godard, 27. "That was the most frustrating point I've had in many, many years. It was affecting my game. I wanted to fight . . . but it almost took me out of my role. I found myself very frustrated . . . second-guessing opportunities. That's the toughest thing.
"Before that, I'd been playing better, getting into fights. It was more of a rhythm, everything was flowing. I was getting the job done pretty well. Then it got very frustrating."
Randy Sportak spends some time with the Flames very veteran - and very expensive - healthy scratches during an optional practice:
"It's tough. It's not something you like," said Warrener [...]"I don't think I've necessarily played out of the lineup, so you sit back and ponder. But you've got to stay positive and work hard because you know you'll eventually be playing again and want to be ready to go."
"I've been out so many games, I don't think I can try to do anything extra," said Nilson, scratched 23 of the last 27 outings. "I've played quite a few games ,so I know what to do. It takes a few games to get back in the groove. Hopefully I'll get those games."
Instead of pondering his time in the press-box, Rhett should be pondering retirement. Seriously.
The Herald's John Down (whom I've never heard of...new guy?) takes a look at John Negrin, whose performance this year is suggesting a third round steal:
Negrin is a rapidly developing rearguard who continues to take large steps forward. Although not physically punishing, he ushers opposing forwards off the puck with relative ease [...]
"...once John settled down and simplified his game a little bit, he's really taken off." (says coach Mark Holick) "He's got 30-some assists, he chips in with some intelligent play from the point on the power play and he's good defensively."
Finally, Eric Fancis notes that former 2nd round pick and WHL star Jared Aulin has been tearing up the CIS hockey league with the Calgary Dinos this year. And that the Flames have taken notice:
"...He's once again drawing plenty of interest from the NHL, where the former second-round draft pick may just be returning as early as next season.
Not only has player agent Don Meehan recently dropped a line to rekindle acquaintances, but Flames coaches Rich Preston and Wayne Fleming attended the Dinos game Friday, where Aulin worked more magic.
Forced to miss the team's first 10 games while sitting out a full calendar year from his last professional game, Aulin has helped turn around a team that started 1-5-4.
The Dinos are 14-2 in Aulin's 16 games thanks to his 14 goals and 20 assists, which has him second only to linemate Ryan Annesley in Canada West play.
Aulin was chosen 47th overall in the 2000 entry draft by the Colorado Avalanche (right after Jarrett Stoll at number 46 by the Calgary Flames), although he was frequently mentioned amongst the best prospects at the time (including Heatley, Gaborik and Hartnell). Here's a brief scouting review by Redline Reports Kyle Woodlief from 2000:
C Jared Aulin (Canada): Skill! He's as talented as they come, good skater, excellent puck skills and probably has the best playmaking ability and hockey sense in the draft. His size is only a short-term problem if he bulks up his frame in the weight room next summer. Still looks like a top five selection from here, though.
Aulin scored 37 goals and 108 points in this 3rd full season with the WHL Kamloops Blazers. His final year was shortened by injury, but he still managed 33 goals and 67 points in just 46 games (and a +30 rating). He was moved to the LA Kings in a trade and played on their AHL squad the following year, scoring 12 goals and 44 points in 44 games in his first pro season. He also played 12 games in the bigs that year (02/03), managing just 4 points. After that, Aulin bounced around the AHL, battling confidence and injury issues. He was traded again in 04, this time by the Kings to the Washington Capitals for Anson Carter. He played one season for the Hershey Bears and then 13 games for the Springfield Falcons the next season before bowing out of the minor league grind altogether.
As mentioned in the Francis article, Aulin thought we was finished with hockey for good after he was nearly decaptiated by an angry opponent in a beer league game six months ago. His resurrection in the CIS may be his unlikely path to the NHL or, more probably, it could just be a feel good story for a previously promising, but ultimately failed, former prospect.
From a Flames perspective, he's probably worth the minimal risk, assuming a 2-way, ultra-cheap contract. He's still just 25 years old after all. Hell, I'm willing to bet he's better than Kris "First Round Bust" Chucko at the very least and could likely add some offense to the sputtering QC Flames. At best, you have a Daniel Cleary type reclamation project on your hands. At worst, you make your farm team slightly more competitive in the short term. If Meehan does manage to broker a try-out and contract for Ailin, it'll be interesting to see if this develops any further, whether it occurs in Calgary or elsewhere.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Higher and higher
After another Kipper special last night, I figured it was time to update his SV% graph:
Slowly but surely, Miikka is rounding into form. Despite the fact that the team has routinely been mediocre over the last 5 weeks (see: last night), Kipper's SV% continues the upward trend. Now if we could just get the rest of the squad on the same performance slope...
click and it shall enlarge
Slowly but surely, Miikka is rounding into form. Despite the fact that the team has routinely been mediocre over the last 5 weeks (see: last night), Kipper's SV% continues the upward trend. Now if we could just get the rest of the squad on the same performance slope...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Okay is just okay
If you're the type of person that gets excited when the odometer rolls over to zero, you should note that, 56 games into the season, the Calgary Flames have 28 wins and 28 losses (including OT and SOL) with 161 GF and 161 GA. They've attained Mediocrity Equilibrium as it were.
Calgary's goal through the final 26 games should be obvious: don't finish 8th in the conference. Any chance at seeing daylight beyond the first round lies with avoiding the Detroit Red Wings in mid-April. Some match-ups are more favorable than others, granted, but Im fairly certain the Wings would roll right over our middling squad in 6 games or less for the second straight year.
The first step on the final stretch run begins with a difficult 5 game road-trip through the Pacific division, the first stop being San Jose tonight. The Flames hammered the Sharks last game, thanks mainly to a season best effort by Owen Nolan. I wouldn't bet on a repeat performance tonight, however.
On the positive end of the spectrum, Huselius seemed to awaken as if from a bad dream on Saturday night against the Oil (perhaps stirred from his slumber by a swift kick in the throat by Sutter himself), and he played probably his best hockey in the last 3 weeks. As did a majority of his teammates, although Iginla was still having problems burying quality scoring chances. Unfortunately, it's difficult as a Flames fan to take solace in the HNIC effort: since January 1, predicting this clubs performance from game to game has been a fools errand. In addition, the Oilers, as plucky and determined as they might be, just aren't the San Jose Sharks.
Other stuff:
- I was dismayed to see Godard return to the line-up in light of the results earned by the Nilson-Boyd-Smith line previously. Im pretty much at the point where I have no use for Eric and can't fathom why he remains on the roster.
- Cory Sarich has been abysmal lately. He was one of the worst players on the ice during the Coyotes and Oilers defeats and the last time he scored a single point in a game was December 9th. Admittedly, scoring isn't what he's paid to do, but...yeesh. In his last 5 games, Cory is EV +/- +1, -5. Qualitatively speaking, his read on the first Mueller goal against the 'Yotes was Zyuzin bad, and he followed that up by guarding no one in the slot while Mueller took a shot and then banged in the rebound for his 2nd marker of the night. That's the kind of streak Sarich is going through, which is bad for someone who adds little to nothing at the other end of the ice.
As an added level of suck, Sarich is 2nd on the team in minor penalties this year with 32 (behind only Dion), and has the worst ES penalties drawn/taken differential on the team (-19). And, although he's paired with Regehr pretty consistently, he is EV +/- 0 for the season while Reggie is up at +12.
It's no secret the Flames need another defenseman to play with Phaneuf (and get Eriksson out of the top 4), but Sarich is definitely going to have to pull up his socks if the 8th seed is to be avoided.
Anyways, prediction time. I think the up and down continues and the Flames lose this one. SJ 3, Calgary 1. Cheechoo, Michalek and Rivet for the Sharks. Conroy for the Flames.
Calgary's goal through the final 26 games should be obvious: don't finish 8th in the conference. Any chance at seeing daylight beyond the first round lies with avoiding the Detroit Red Wings in mid-April. Some match-ups are more favorable than others, granted, but Im fairly certain the Wings would roll right over our middling squad in 6 games or less for the second straight year.
The first step on the final stretch run begins with a difficult 5 game road-trip through the Pacific division, the first stop being San Jose tonight. The Flames hammered the Sharks last game, thanks mainly to a season best effort by Owen Nolan. I wouldn't bet on a repeat performance tonight, however.
On the positive end of the spectrum, Huselius seemed to awaken as if from a bad dream on Saturday night against the Oil (perhaps stirred from his slumber by a swift kick in the throat by Sutter himself), and he played probably his best hockey in the last 3 weeks. As did a majority of his teammates, although Iginla was still having problems burying quality scoring chances. Unfortunately, it's difficult as a Flames fan to take solace in the HNIC effort: since January 1, predicting this clubs performance from game to game has been a fools errand. In addition, the Oilers, as plucky and determined as they might be, just aren't the San Jose Sharks.
Other stuff:
- I was dismayed to see Godard return to the line-up in light of the results earned by the Nilson-Boyd-Smith line previously. Im pretty much at the point where I have no use for Eric and can't fathom why he remains on the roster.
- Cory Sarich has been abysmal lately. He was one of the worst players on the ice during the Coyotes and Oilers defeats and the last time he scored a single point in a game was December 9th. Admittedly, scoring isn't what he's paid to do, but...yeesh. In his last 5 games, Cory is EV +/- +1, -5. Qualitatively speaking, his read on the first Mueller goal against the 'Yotes was Zyuzin bad, and he followed that up by guarding no one in the slot while Mueller took a shot and then banged in the rebound for his 2nd marker of the night. That's the kind of streak Sarich is going through, which is bad for someone who adds little to nothing at the other end of the ice.
As an added level of suck, Sarich is 2nd on the team in minor penalties this year with 32 (behind only Dion), and has the worst ES penalties drawn/taken differential on the team (-19). And, although he's paired with Regehr pretty consistently, he is EV +/- 0 for the season while Reggie is up at +12.
It's no secret the Flames need another defenseman to play with Phaneuf (and get Eriksson out of the top 4), but Sarich is definitely going to have to pull up his socks if the 8th seed is to be avoided.
Anyways, prediction time. I think the up and down continues and the Flames lose this one. SJ 3, Calgary 1. Cheechoo, Michalek and Rivet for the Sharks. Conroy for the Flames.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sell High
There's lots of talk about being a "buyer or seller" come the trade deadline. Tom Benjamin had a good post recently on how it's almost never a good decision to be a "buyer" come the end of February. Deadline acquisitions rarely make much of a difference in the post season and almost always cost way too much to acquire in the first place. Take our own "deadline deal" from last year: Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau for Chuck Kobasew and Andrew Ference. The Flames ended up getting pounded in the first round anyways and then lost Stuart to free agency in July (and, almost as damaging, re-signed Primeau long-term). This year, Kobasew and Ference have been significant contributors in Boston and the Flames have precisely nothing (or in Primeau's case, worse than nothing) to show for it. A lot of last year's big deadline deals went that way: Nashville/Forsberg, Atlanta/Tkachuk, NYI/Smyth.
That's why I think, if anything, the Flames should be sellers this year. Make a Stuart deal of their own (except in reverse, obviously) with someone desperate to make a splash in the post season. Grab a couple of relatively cheap yet capable pieces from someone for a Langkow or Huselius - guys who in all likelihood won't be here next September anyways. For example, I've heard the Flyers Jeff Carter may be available because of Philly's cap situation next year and Carter's pending restricted free agency (they already have 49M committed with Jason Smith, RJ Umberger and Randy Jones needing to be re-signed). And Im guessing the Flyers organization would love to do something in the play-offs after last year's embarrassing season. How does Langkow+prospect for Carter and Kukkonen sound perhaps?
That's an off-the-cuff kind of suggestion, but you get the picture. As has been demonstrated here and elsewhere, Sutter's going to need a lot of bargains to make this roster work next season. He might as well start hunting for them sooner rather than later.
That's why I think, if anything, the Flames should be sellers this year. Make a Stuart deal of their own (except in reverse, obviously) with someone desperate to make a splash in the post season. Grab a couple of relatively cheap yet capable pieces from someone for a Langkow or Huselius - guys who in all likelihood won't be here next September anyways. For example, I've heard the Flyers Jeff Carter may be available because of Philly's cap situation next year and Carter's pending restricted free agency (they already have 49M committed with Jason Smith, RJ Umberger and Randy Jones needing to be re-signed). And Im guessing the Flyers organization would love to do something in the play-offs after last year's embarrassing season. How does Langkow+prospect for Carter and Kukkonen sound perhaps?
That's an off-the-cuff kind of suggestion, but you get the picture. As has been demonstrated here and elsewhere, Sutter's going to need a lot of bargains to make this roster work next season. He might as well start hunting for them sooner rather than later.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Bruins: Minor Hockey Week 'Midget A' Champions!!!!
This is does not pertain to the Flames but does pertain to hockey so...
For those of you who know me, know that I have been working in my spare time as a Trainer for the NWCAA Midget A Bruins for the 07-08 season. We've had our ups and downs throughout the year but the boys came through last week and worked their asses off as a team to become City Champions in the Esso Minor Hockey Week Tournament!
After a devastating 9-2 loss in the first game of the tournament to the Royals Gold the team regained their composure and battled back to win 6-2 vs the Blazers and a 2-0 win vs the Royals Blue to take them into the Finals. In the final game they played the Blackhawks who built a quick 2-0 lead in the first. But with increased teamwork and a step back to simple basic hockey the boys scored 5 unanswered goals in the 2nd and 3rd period to clinch the tournament and title of Esso Minor Hockey Week Champions! Way to go Bruins! With only 7 more games left in the season Sutter Cup is just around the corner and everyone should fear the Bruins now!!!!
For those of you who know me, know that I have been working in my spare time as a Trainer for the NWCAA Midget A Bruins for the 07-08 season. We've had our ups and downs throughout the year but the boys came through last week and worked their asses off as a team to become City Champions in the Esso Minor Hockey Week Tournament!
After a devastating 9-2 loss in the first game of the tournament to the Royals Gold the team regained their composure and battled back to win 6-2 vs the Blazers and a 2-0 win vs the Royals Blue to take them into the Finals. In the final game they played the Blackhawks who built a quick 2-0 lead in the first. But with increased teamwork and a step back to simple basic hockey the boys scored 5 unanswered goals in the 2nd and 3rd period to clinch the tournament and title of Esso Minor Hockey Week Champions! Way to go Bruins! With only 7 more games left in the season Sutter Cup is just around the corner and everyone should fear the Bruins now!!!!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Battle of Alberta - Hockey day Edition
An eloquent example of the Flames post New Years issues is the fact that they trail the Oilers 3-2 in the season series so far. Is there any other team that's done this poorly against the greasers this year? I doubt it.
The problems afflciting the Flames during this recent bout of futility are obvious: slow starts, bad luck, under-performing top 6 and an ineffective PP (connected to the previous two points, obviously). Iginla and Huselius were an unstoppable duo for about 6 weeks there. Now they can't seem to buy a goal, Iggy's improbable last second game tying marker notwithstanding. Juice has something like 2 points in his last 11. At least one of these guys has to rediscover his mojo pretty quickly if Calgary is to make a serious push for the NW division crown and/or the post-season. There was a brief moment at the end on January where Conroy and Nolan looked like honest-to-god top 6 forwads (in terms of offensive contributions), but they've predictably fallen back into relative impotence.
Also, does anyone else sit down to watch a Flames game with the question "is THIS the game Kipper will get a shut-out?" in their heads these days? It's starting get kind of depressing.
Anyways, Calgary played their worst game of the year against the Oil last week. It was the start of this downward spiral. Perhaps they can get back on track with a convincing win tonight. Flames 5, Oilers 1. Iginla (X2), Lombardi, Huselius and Langkow for Calgary. Horc...err...Sour...uh...Nylander for Edmonton.
The problems afflciting the Flames during this recent bout of futility are obvious: slow starts, bad luck, under-performing top 6 and an ineffective PP (connected to the previous two points, obviously). Iginla and Huselius were an unstoppable duo for about 6 weeks there. Now they can't seem to buy a goal, Iggy's improbable last second game tying marker notwithstanding. Juice has something like 2 points in his last 11. At least one of these guys has to rediscover his mojo pretty quickly if Calgary is to make a serious push for the NW division crown and/or the post-season. There was a brief moment at the end on January where Conroy and Nolan looked like honest-to-god top 6 forwads (in terms of offensive contributions), but they've predictably fallen back into relative impotence.
Also, does anyone else sit down to watch a Flames game with the question "is THIS the game Kipper will get a shut-out?" in their heads these days? It's starting get kind of depressing.
Anyways, Calgary played their worst game of the year against the Oil last week. It was the start of this downward spiral. Perhaps they can get back on track with a convincing win tonight. Flames 5, Oilers 1. Iginla (X2), Lombardi, Huselius and Langkow for Calgary. Horc...err...Sour...uh...Nylander for Edmonton.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Hawks and Flames Preview
Quick one before the game tonight.
Calgary is in a position where they can ill afford to keep giving up points to the lesser lights. They've made a bad habit of it in the New Year and are in the midst of a tooth and nail battle for a play-off spot. God knows how the NW division would look if the Canucks weren't decimated by injuries. As it is they're just 3 points back of Calgary, with the bloody Avs (even without Sakic, Smyth and Statsny) continuing to keep pace. It looks like it'll come down to the wire and the Flames will want to be in a favorable position going into the string of 9 divisional contests to end the year.
As such, Calgary has to come out and play against the Hawks the way the played the last 10 minutes of the game against the Coyotes - except all night this time. With Jarome's slump punctured, one can hope the top line will be back to contributing at ES, which would go a long way to claiming victory this evening (Chicago's kids aren't that good at ES yet). The Blackhawks are in the middle of a big, long roadtrip and playing their 2nd game in 2 nights. They have lost 5 in a row and their starting tender tonight (The Bulin Wall) has lost his last 10: in sum, they're ripe for the picking. A good, fast start should bury the opposition tonight - so let's all hope for a decent first period for a change.
Some interesting things from last game:
A Phaneuf/Regehr pairing emerged in the 3rd period. I don't know if that was because Keenan was looking for offense or because Cory Sarich played like Peter Mueller was invisible to him most of the game, but either way it looked pretty good. That said, I doubt it will persist into this game.
The 4th line actually out-shot and out-chanced someone for the first time in recent memory. Im sure some of that had to do with the opposition (who was also quite tired), but I think the fact that everyone could, you know, at least skate for a change (sorry Godard, Primeau) was a significant factor. According to Inside the Flames, that trio (Nilson, Boyd, Smith) will be back together tonight. Good news.
Apparently Tanguay and Conroy will be back up with Iginla, meaning a Langkow/Huselius/Nolan second line. I'd bet dollars to donuts that that also means Jarome will be facing the tougher assignments again.
Anyways, I'll stick with the "no prediction" preview. Worked for the Phoenix game...
Calgary is in a position where they can ill afford to keep giving up points to the lesser lights. They've made a bad habit of it in the New Year and are in the midst of a tooth and nail battle for a play-off spot. God knows how the NW division would look if the Canucks weren't decimated by injuries. As it is they're just 3 points back of Calgary, with the bloody Avs (even without Sakic, Smyth and Statsny) continuing to keep pace. It looks like it'll come down to the wire and the Flames will want to be in a favorable position going into the string of 9 divisional contests to end the year.
As such, Calgary has to come out and play against the Hawks the way the played the last 10 minutes of the game against the Coyotes - except all night this time. With Jarome's slump punctured, one can hope the top line will be back to contributing at ES, which would go a long way to claiming victory this evening (Chicago's kids aren't that good at ES yet). The Blackhawks are in the middle of a big, long roadtrip and playing their 2nd game in 2 nights. They have lost 5 in a row and their starting tender tonight (The Bulin Wall) has lost his last 10: in sum, they're ripe for the picking. A good, fast start should bury the opposition tonight - so let's all hope for a decent first period for a change.
Some interesting things from last game:
A Phaneuf/Regehr pairing emerged in the 3rd period. I don't know if that was because Keenan was looking for offense or because Cory Sarich played like Peter Mueller was invisible to him most of the game, but either way it looked pretty good. That said, I doubt it will persist into this game.
The 4th line actually out-shot and out-chanced someone for the first time in recent memory. Im sure some of that had to do with the opposition (who was also quite tired), but I think the fact that everyone could, you know, at least skate for a change (sorry Godard, Primeau) was a significant factor. According to Inside the Flames, that trio (Nilson, Boyd, Smith) will be back together tonight. Good news.
Apparently Tanguay and Conroy will be back up with Iginla, meaning a Langkow/Huselius/Nolan second line. I'd bet dollars to donuts that that also means Jarome will be facing the tougher assignments again.
Anyways, I'll stick with the "no prediction" preview. Worked for the Phoenix game...
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Sixer for Number 3
Well, it was finally made official today. Dion Phaneuf will be a Calgary Flame for another 6 years. While the Flames stupidly persist in "not disclosing financial details", TSN claims the deal is indeed for the rumored 6.5M/season.
Good news? Mostly. The Dion isn't quite a 6.5M player just yet, but his pedigree and contributions through his first 3 seasons suggest he eventually will be (and more). As a 20 year old, Phaneuf stepped into the NHL from Junior and equalled an NHL record for goals by a rookie defensemen. Since then, he's led the Flames in hits, ice-time and points from the blueline each year. He still has things to learn in his own end, particularly against tougher competition and on the PK - but it's a fair bet that those things will come eventually. In my estimation, Phaneuf looks like a generational talent and should end up justifying his contract. Perhaps sooner rather than later as well.
The bad news is the Flames cap room for next year just keeps on shrinking. Regehr, Kipper and now Phaneuf all get drastically more expensive next year, meaning Sutter will likely have to find some genuine bargains on the market in the summer in order to keep this team at even-keel, let alone improving it by any measure. Calgary now has about 44.8M committed for next season, with the likes of Langkow, Huselius, Hale, Yelle, Nolan and Conroy all scheduled to become UFA in July. That's about 6-8M in cap-space in which Sutter needs to fit 4 top 6 forwards and 2 support players. Mark Smith and Eric Godard will also be looking for contracts in the off-season, but their contributions are ignorable.
As I've argued here previously, Sutter could probably free up some space by cutting the fat (Warrener, Nilson, Primeau, Eriksson, Aucoin together equal 10.15M) although that would result in a couple more roster holes to plug (in the case of Eriksson and Aucoin at least). Still, that's more than a decade of cap-space, with only 2 bottom pairing defensemen needed to fill the gaps (and maybe a kid or two to sit in the press-box most nights). Let's say it costs 4M for the replacements...that's another 6.15M added on top of the hypothetical 6-8M in cap space. About 13M to sign Huselius, Langkow, Conroy, Nolan, Hale and Yelle (or their equivalents) is a much rosier picture. The challenge being, of course, actually cutting said fat. How does Sutter go about purging that many unwanted calories?
I guess it's possible that maybe Warrener or...um...Nilson might have some trade value, but I can't imagine anyone accepting the likes of Eriksson or Primeau , especially with those contracts (Primeau in particular). Do the Flames have the budget to bury 2.8M in the AHL? Then there's Aucoin, who has an active NTC in his contract. Adrian's been a decent player for Calgary this year, but not 4M good. I think the cap space is more valuable than the skater come June. The options for dumping his salary are extremely limited, however - it's unlikely he could be dealt (NTC...plus most teams won't want him at that price anyways) and buying him out would be a pretty inefficient strategy - it would still cost Calgary 2.66M to "carry" his buy-out under the cap (2/3 of cap hit), meaning:
buy-out + replacement player = no cap relief gained.
Argh. We may be stuck with ol' Adrian. If he stays, no replacement player needed, but for arguments sake let's say that keeping Aucoin reduces the hypothetical cap space after fat trimming down to roughly 9M for about 6 players. Assume 1.5M to re-sign or replace Hale and Yelle. That's 7.5M for Langkow, Huselius, Conroy and Nolan. It's a tight squeeze my friends, even with the assumed loss of Primeau, Warrener, Nilson and Eriksson, which is by no means assured. I think we can say a couple of things for certain:
1.) At least one of Langkow and Huselius is gone after this season. Quite possibly both.
2.) Sutter won't be acquiring any contract that extends beyond this year at the deadline.
3.) It would be nice to coax Giordano back into the fold in the off-season, assuming he's progressed some overseas.
4.) The Flames may have one hell of an ugly forward group come September '08.
5.) Conroy re-signing for a one year, reduced rate deal (1.5-1M) would be a good thing.
Matt's earlier musings on the subject here.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
A More Sombre and Humble Pregame - Coyotes @ Flames.
Flames have a chance to rinse the unpleasant taste of the Edmonton game out of their mouths tonight against the surprising Coyotes. However, considering their record against relatively "lesser" opposition recently, I have my anxieties about that actually happening.
Since January 1st, the only sub-play-off club the Flames have beaten is the LA Kings. Phoenix, NYI and Edmonton (X2!) have all laid a lickin' on Calgary since then.
The other bad (and related) news is the continued struggles of one Jarome Iginla, who is looking more and more like his inept doppleganger, Jarmoe recently:
GP G A ESP ESP/60 EV+/-
10 0 5 3 1.98 -1
Those are some ugly numbers for a guy of Iginla's caliber. Add in the paltry 2 PP assists in the same time frame and this is one of the worst periods of hockey we've seen from the Captain in a long time. The quality of the opposition (Coyotes, Islanders, Nashville, Oilers X2, Wild X2, Dallas, LA, San Jose) and the fact that Keenan spent a lot of time giving the softer match-ups to Jarome on home ice makes it all the more puzzling.
Ahhh well. We just have to file this under "gonna work itself out eventually". It just sucks that Iggy's slump had to correspond with a big stretch of *ahem* highly winnable games. Now instead of being locked atop the NW division, Calgary's back to 7th in the WC and a mere stones throw away from being out of the post-season picture altogether.
Some of the other problems are getting a comfy seat tonight though. Word is, Godard, Primeau and Warrener will be healthy scratches with Smith, Nilson and Eriksson drawing in in their stead. It's theoretical, but a 4th line of Smith-Boyd-Nilson certainly looks like less of a liability than one of Primeau-Boyd-Godard. I guess we'll see if that's true or not...
For their part, the Coyotes are going to make it difficult this evening. Going into the season I thought they looked like the worst team in the league, but they've done everything they could to prove me (and sizable portion of other people) wrong. Gretzky has a fast, young, tenacious group of players on his hands, backed by a respectable blueline and Ilya Bryzgalaov. A lot of credit has to go to the Great One and co. this year - they've defied the odds with everyone laughing in their faces. If their kids can continue to perform at this level, the post-season isn't out of the question for the Desert Dogs. And that alone should garner Wayne some Jack Adams consideration.
Prediction - None. I've learned my lesson. Just hoping for something less embarrassing.
Go Flames.
PS - For Yotes insight, visit One Fans Perspective.
Since January 1st, the only sub-play-off club the Flames have beaten is the LA Kings. Phoenix, NYI and Edmonton (X2!) have all laid a lickin' on Calgary since then.
The other bad (and related) news is the continued struggles of one Jarome Iginla, who is looking more and more like his inept doppleganger, Jarmoe recently:
GP G A ESP ESP/60 EV+/-
10 0 5 3 1.98 -1
Those are some ugly numbers for a guy of Iginla's caliber. Add in the paltry 2 PP assists in the same time frame and this is one of the worst periods of hockey we've seen from the Captain in a long time. The quality of the opposition (Coyotes, Islanders, Nashville, Oilers X2, Wild X2, Dallas, LA, San Jose) and the fact that Keenan spent a lot of time giving the softer match-ups to Jarome on home ice makes it all the more puzzling.
Ahhh well. We just have to file this under "gonna work itself out eventually". It just sucks that Iggy's slump had to correspond with a big stretch of *ahem* highly winnable games. Now instead of being locked atop the NW division, Calgary's back to 7th in the WC and a mere stones throw away from being out of the post-season picture altogether.
Some of the other problems are getting a comfy seat tonight though. Word is, Godard, Primeau and Warrener will be healthy scratches with Smith, Nilson and Eriksson drawing in in their stead. It's theoretical, but a 4th line of Smith-Boyd-Nilson certainly looks like less of a liability than one of Primeau-Boyd-Godard. I guess we'll see if that's true or not...
For their part, the Coyotes are going to make it difficult this evening. Going into the season I thought they looked like the worst team in the league, but they've done everything they could to prove me (and sizable portion of other people) wrong. Gretzky has a fast, young, tenacious group of players on his hands, backed by a respectable blueline and Ilya Bryzgalaov. A lot of credit has to go to the Great One and co. this year - they've defied the odds with everyone laughing in their faces. If their kids can continue to perform at this level, the post-season isn't out of the question for the Desert Dogs. And that alone should garner Wayne some Jack Adams consideration.
Prediction - None. I've learned my lesson. Just hoping for something less embarrassing.
Go Flames.
PS - For Yotes insight, visit One Fans Perspective.
It's about that time again...
...time for another pictorial summation:
Updated to add the slightly more appropriate Flaming Garbage pic.
Updated to add the slightly more appropriate Flaming Garbage pic.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Battle of Alberta Pregame
It's about that time again! Clash of the titans! Or...well...probably more like Clubbing of the Baby Seals! come to thing of it. The Flames being the heartless fishermen and the Oilers being the Seals, naturally.
It sounds like fan hubris, I know, but the Oilers are hurtin' right now even by objective standards. They're 14th in the WC, -24 in terms of goal differential not to mention their leading scorer AND their most expensive defenseman are both down with bum shoulders. This is their resulting (insulting) forward roster:
Penner-Reasoner-Hemsky
Moreau-Stoll-Pisani
Glencross-Cogliano-Nillson
Brodziak-Gagner-Stortini*
*(not actual lines)
Just to up the ugly, check out the D corps(e):
Staios-Pitkanen
Gilbert-Greene
Grebeshkov-Smid
I guess all Oil fans can do hope is Curtis Glencross has a repeat performance.
As a Flames fan, I'll be pretty damn annoyed if the boys can't beat what appears to be a very good AHL team (or a rather terrible NHL team). Tonight is the perfect opportunity for Jarome to finally bust out of his long scoreless slump. The last time he went 10 games without scoring was the season that Val Bure led the Flames in points. I can't see that happening again, particularly with the level of competition he'll be facing in Edmonton this evening.
I know, I know...Im testing fate/karma/the angry hockey gods with all this cocky "we is gunna beat them boys bad" talk. But, I figure the Flames were punished last game enough, what with all the unlikely bounces and goals against and posts for and such and such. The fickle Probability Demons got their pound of flesh last game. This game, Calgary should end up offering up the Oil as a sacrifice in their name(s).
Prediction - Calgary 5, Edmonton 2. Iginla (X3), Langkow, Aucoin for the Flames. Glengarry Glencross and Petr Klima's helmet for the Oilers.
GO Flames.
PS - Joseph gets his first start tonight and it looks like Eriksson will be a scratch again (woohoo!).
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Big D at C-spot Pregame.
With all the contract and trade talk over the last little while, game analysis has certainly taken a back seat around here. As such, I don't think I've mentioned how impressive the Conroy/Tanguay/Nolan line has been recently. Not only have they been contributing on the scoresheet, they've frequently done so while playing against the other team's best players. Keenan made this strategy explicit last game against the Sharks when he was interviewed by MacGuire on the bench - Pierre asked about the matching game and Keenan said he was specifically trying to get Conroy out against Thornton. End result? Tanguay/Nolan,Conroy, 3 goals, +8, Thornton -3.
Other encouraging signs: Lombardi with Yelle and Moss, which still isn't ideal for the guy but is far better than the Nystrom/Boyd arrangement. Also, the Aucoin/Phaneuf duo persisted for the 2nd straight game. Im not sure if Eriksson was scratched due to his shoulder problems (I thought it was supposed to be minor?) or because Keenan has realized that Bubba is a liability out there, but I hope it keeps up.
Also, Phaneuf finally shaking his scoreless streak of 18 games with a blast from the point brought a smile my face.
The bad? Jarome Iginla and co. were held of the scoresheet again. I think they generated some good chances and outplayed the competition last game, but they just couldn't finish. Iginla especially flubbed a number of high quality scoring chances and now has gone 8 games without a goal. Yelle, Lombardi, Nolan and Primeau (!) have scored more goals than Jarome in the last 8 games. More distressing is the fact that Iggy is a minus player in that time period, even though the team is on a 4 game winning streak and Keenan's been feeding him some of the easier match-ups. Im certain the Captain will work his way out of this funk eventually, but sooner rather than later would be nice.
Dallas is in town tonight. I picked them to be a play-off bubble team at the start if the season, but, improbably, they've overcome what looks like a lackluster forward group and are challenging for the Pacific division crown. They've even had significant injury concerns, with Zubov, Boucher and Lehtinen missing huge chunks of time, but they just seem to keep rolling along. Incredible steps forward by Ribeiro, Morrow and Hagman and the emergence of rookie Matt Niskanen sure haven't hurt though.
Im loathe to predict a win tonight because Dallas always plays us well AND the Flames won when I predicted a loss last game. However, Im going to do it anyways. Calagry 3, Dallas 1. Iginla, Huselius and Lombardi for the Flames. Modano for the Stars.
Go Flames.
Other encouraging signs: Lombardi with Yelle and Moss, which still isn't ideal for the guy but is far better than the Nystrom/Boyd arrangement. Also, the Aucoin/Phaneuf duo persisted for the 2nd straight game. Im not sure if Eriksson was scratched due to his shoulder problems (I thought it was supposed to be minor?) or because Keenan has realized that Bubba is a liability out there, but I hope it keeps up.
Also, Phaneuf finally shaking his scoreless streak of 18 games with a blast from the point brought a smile my face.
The bad? Jarome Iginla and co. were held of the scoresheet again. I think they generated some good chances and outplayed the competition last game, but they just couldn't finish. Iginla especially flubbed a number of high quality scoring chances and now has gone 8 games without a goal. Yelle, Lombardi, Nolan and Primeau (!) have scored more goals than Jarome in the last 8 games. More distressing is the fact that Iggy is a minus player in that time period, even though the team is on a 4 game winning streak and Keenan's been feeding him some of the easier match-ups. Im certain the Captain will work his way out of this funk eventually, but sooner rather than later would be nice.
Dallas is in town tonight. I picked them to be a play-off bubble team at the start if the season, but, improbably, they've overcome what looks like a lackluster forward group and are challenging for the Pacific division crown. They've even had significant injury concerns, with Zubov, Boucher and Lehtinen missing huge chunks of time, but they just seem to keep rolling along. Incredible steps forward by Ribeiro, Morrow and Hagman and the emergence of rookie Matt Niskanen sure haven't hurt though.
Im loathe to predict a win tonight because Dallas always plays us well AND the Flames won when I predicted a loss last game. However, Im going to do it anyways. Calagry 3, Dallas 1. Iginla, Huselius and Lombardi for the Flames. Modano for the Stars.
Go Flames.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Shilling McShilly
If you're wondering about the banner at right, I've been contracted by rototimes.com to write a weekly column on Fantasy hockey and the ad was a "contractual obligation" (it was either that, or stop writing for the blog altogether).
I know...I can't believe someone's going to pay me to do this either. I mean, I won't even get to swear or make biblical type game predictions over there...
Anyways, my first piece should appear sometime after February the 3rd.
I know...I can't believe someone's going to pay me to do this either. I mean, I won't even get to swear or make biblical type game predictions over there...
Anyways, my first piece should appear sometime after February the 3rd.
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