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The Calgary Flames will kick off their season opener today against the San Jose Sharks. So what do viewers have to look forward to?
Calgary`s staring line up should be as follows:
Glencross – Tanguay – Iginla
Giordano – Bouwmeester
Kiprusoff
Offensively this opening line has potential to be effective as the Flames will start the season with their veterans. I expect Hartley will be playing his experienced guys often to start the year, as the younger or less experienced guys get comfortable. Though Iginla and Tanguay played on the same line last season, having Tanguay as centre will definitely change the dynamic. Hartley also mentioned that he intends on having Iginla take faceoffs throughout the night as an attempt to take advantage of his strengths.
Defensively, Giordano and Bouwmeester played together last year and should be an effective unit again this season. The starting line will look to come out with fire power and energy and will be looked at for early production, which should spark the rest of the lines.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th forward lines for Calgary should be as follows:
Baertschi - Backlund - Cammalleri,
Horak – Stajan - Stempniak
Comeau - Begin - Jackman
If our 2nd line can find chemistry, they certainly have potential to be successful. Backlund is coming off a great campaign while playing overseas, and Baertschi has done nothing but impress over the past 12 months. The presence of Cammalleri will hopefully help insulate the two younger players and provide secondary scoring, something the team will need much of this year.
The 3rd line is one that will be a little more concerning. Last year, the three only combined for 57 points and with the exception of Stempniak, Stajan and Horak underproduced. This will be an early test for Stajan to see if he can help his team produce on both sides of the ice. While the Flames are hopeful for the debut of Hudler and Cervenka, it appears neither will take part in the season opener. Hudler will likely have his start tomorrow and Cervenka’s return will hopefully be sooner rather than later.
On offense Calgary will be adding Hudler to their powerplay with Iginla and Tanguay. Calgary`s speciality teams is where Calgary can gain an advantage over the Sharks. There were no exhibition games to scout from this year and as a consequence the Sharks` coaching staff will have very limited knowledge of what the Flames power play will look like under Hartley (nor do we).
The 2nd and 3rd defensive lines are Butler/Wideman and Smith/Sarich. Wideman should help defensively while also adding an offensive outlet.
It can’t be sugar coated; this should be a tough game against a team like the Sharks. San Jose has a lot of depth on offence, their lines are tried and tested and virtually identical to last season. This team has not seen much change as they only have two new faces from last year`s roster. The Sharks will come into this game with the slight advantage as they shouldn't have kinks to workout.
The Flames will need to use their speed and skill to agitate the Sharks and draw penalties. They will need to shoot, and shoot often. An early goal and confidence from their young players could help the Flames secure this first game of the year.
Also, Cammalleri is just 3 goals shy of 200...so...hattrick anyone!?
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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