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Nashville's In Town! - 2 Players Get The Call From Hockey Canada -

November 29, 2011, 2:24 PM ET [ Comments]
Shaune Vetter
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The last time the Calgary Flames were able to put together consecutive wins was October 26th and 28th against the Avalanche and Blues respectively. It's been over a month since the team has been able to even hint at a much needed winning streak, and their record in the month between that last double-deuce and tonight sits at 5-8. If they could win tonight's game it would result in their November record being 6-8. I guess the dream of not collapsing in November after last season's debacle is dead, even if they do win.

Regardless, the team needs to develop the consistency it hasn't been able to show all season if it has any chance of getting the win tonight. Calling Nashville a defensively responsible team is an understatement, and with Pekka Rinne between the pipes, and super duo d-men Shea Webber and Ryan Suter on the blue-line, the Predators aren't exactly the team that a club with a struggling offense would be looking to face when it needs a win.

In the last 5 games, the Flames have twice managed to best the team that was sitting on top of the Western Conference twice. In the 3 games in between those victories, they've managed to lose 3 games to anyone they've played who didn't sit in the #1 spot, and fell to the league worst Columbus Blue Jackets just to add insult to injury.

Regardless of whether or not the Flames entertain any hopes of challenging for a playoff spot this season, it's completely unacceptable for the effort level to fluctuate so drastically, especially considering the leadership that this team is supposed to possess. It's certainly become clear to all observers, and the organization itself that something just isn't right with the team.

Enter the Jarome Iginla rumors. Once again there are elements of the media who are convinced that Jarome could be on the move. Once again Jay Feaster has unequivocally denied any such action. Now, it's obvious that Jay HAS to deny the rumors reagardless of what's really going on behind the scenes, but Jay has generally been fairly honest with the media since he's been here. I always believed Jay when he told anyone who would listen that Jarome wouldn't be traded. Now, I'm not so sure.

Max Reinhart and Micheal Ferland received invitations to Hockey Canada's World Junior team selection camp. It's a big step for 2 players that were originally drafted in the 3rd and 5th rounds respectively. Max is a two-way centre with great hockey sense who really endeared himself to Flames followers during the summer's rookie tournament as he centred the #1 in Penticton. Micheal Ferland is an emerging power forward who plays a physical game but is putting up huge numbers with 17 goals and 42 points in just 28 games.

For a team that is always talked about as having "Nothing in the cupboard", it's nice to see some of their draft picks at least get a chance at playing in the most prestigious tournament in the world for their age level. Good luck to both of them.

Have a great day!

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