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Since their last successive run as a team in 2004, the Calgary Flames have been slowly slipping down the standings and losing some respect league wide. If there is anything that could possibly instil confidence back into this team, and further this fan base, it would be a successful run during a shortened season. While many argue that a shorten season provides more challenges than would a regular 82 game season, I would like to take the opposing stance and consider how it may also benefit this squad.
Despite all the questions surrounding Calgary this year, there is the potential for the Flames to make it to the postseason. A start similar to where they left off last year would not bode well with their new coach, nor their chances at playoffs; however if they are able to improve upon their weaknesses from the previous unsuccessful seasons, they have a shot.
In order win a shortened season you need fresh legs, quick starts and consistency. Because teams won’t have time to bounce back, they simply can’t afford to falter. This is where a successful training camp and deployed systems from Hartley will come in place. If what previous players and coaches have said Hartley is accurate, we should expect the Flames to be in good shape and come flying out of the gates.
In addition to strength and conditioning, the Flames will need to put up points every game and increase their shot totals. This is where youngsters like Baertschi, Horak, and Brodie can excel. Remember the ’95 lockout? Picture a young Jagr, Sakic, and Lindros, all under 25 and all at the top of the points race. They should have the stamina to pick up for the older Flames in this compressed season. Now this is not to say that I am comparing any of these players…rather using them as an example of young players looking to step up in their NHL careers and show the league what they’re about! In training camp some of these guys are fighting for their life. If they can carry this momentum into the seasons – provided they make the team of course – it could pay off.
The same can be said for players like Backlund, Stajan, and Karlsson who although not new to the league, will need to prove their value just the same. For all three, this year will be one where they are fighting to prove they belong in the NHL as to some it has been debatable if a guy like Stajan can prove his worth. Whether it be the rookies, players fighting for their career, or veterans on the team, Hartley will demand that every player on the Flames bench be in top shape and will attempt to develop them to their full potential. Hartley has proven he can win and his style of coaching should certainly resonate with the Flames players which should in turn improve the team play as a whole.
As mentioned, this year is do or die for the Flames, and hopefully this notion will encourage a drive within Iginla. In the final year of his contract and nearing 35, Iginla will be looking to produce some good hockey and earn himself a shiny new contract, whether it be with the Flames or not. Let’s also not forget he has put up 30+ goals a year for 12 years now in Calgary!
Despite sitting out with a groin injury for the first few days of training camp, Iginla was back on the ice today and is penciled in for the game on Sunday. It looks like the line up this season will have Iginla and Glencross centered by Tanguay. This veteran line up could work quite well, although we might see changes very quickly as Hartley searches for chemistry early on.
Tanguay, who is reunited with Hartley and just 3 assists shy of 500, could also be one of the key pieces to the success of the Flames. He was coached by Hartley during his time in Colorado and as such, the new Flames coach is a big supporter of Tanguay…something already displayed during training camp this year. Moving Tanguay to centre could be a good strategy for the Flames due to his playmaking abilities. The upcoming season looks good for Tanguay, and with the added support of Hartley…maybe he’ll break that milestone against San Jose with 3 assists on Sunday!
For now the 2nd line is set as Backlund between Baertschi and Cammalleri. Although playing Cammalleri with two young guys is risky as it could limit his offensive output, his veteran presence will pay dividends. Playing with Cammalleri will not only force Backlund and Baertschi to play to a higher standard of hockey, but it will allow them some quality ice time needed in their development. With that being said, this line will definitely be interesting to watch this season.
Last season the Flames defense simply didn’t add enough to the score sheet. In order to make the playoffs this year, they will need their defence to step away from the blue line and get in on offence a little more. This is something that newly acquired Wideman should help out with. Although Bouwmeester does get involved, he will need to successfully quarterback their defensive rushes on the power play. Hopefully the addition of Wideman and a full time Brodie should help give the defensive lines more dimension. Training camp lines of late have been set to Giordano and Bouwmeester, Butler and Wideman, Smith and Sarich, Brodie and Carson, and Breen and McCarthy.
Even though the shortened season presents its challenges, there are also certain ways in which it could be advantageous to certain teams. Calgary certainly has their work cut out for them and this year will be a different challenge then a season most players are accustomed to, but if Hartley can get his players to the next level we could very well witness a Sea of Red during the postseason once again! They will need to dig deep to earn their spot, but they might just have the right pieces to get it done.
Flames Mailbag
The questions submitted to the Mailbag so far will be answered in the next blog. If you have any questions or concerns you would like discussed in the next blog, please submit them to me through a Hockeybuzz PM, or through a DM via Twitter! Questions will be posted on the blog along with my thoughts and comments a few times a week, depending on volume.
Thanks for reading!
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