Follow me on Twitter!:
@ColinDJD
I read the Oilers/Flames bashing from last night's Oilers blog and I've got to say, I was tempted to write a retort of some kind to defend the Flames stance and further, the statements made throughout the blog written and comments which ensued. Rather, I feel that most of my audience would rather read where the Flames actually sit, and what they currently have to look forward to with respect to their roster and summer ahead of them.
I suppose I never understood the point of writing a piece which essentially went on to argue that one unsuccessful team is slightly better than another, unsuccessful team, due to potential that their roster holds. Potential is a funny thing in that until it’s realized, it’s nothing more than an illusion of grandeur. Now to say that the Oilers do not hold a vast amount of talent in their current roster and that further, they may even acquire more talent this summer would be viewed as nothing more than stubbornness.
I will, however, have a blog prepared in the days to follow which will describe my thoughts on the two teams a little more in-depth than I may have previously offered, which I hope both sides can agree upon. Now back to the blog…
**
The Calgary Flames lost 4-3 last night in Nashville against the Predators.
Though there is still a certain level of competitiveness throughout the rookie bunch, losses also seem to be welcomed at this point from fans; Calgary is trending negatively in terms of drafting position. As the team with the highest points out of a playoff spot, the Flames currently sit with a 4.7% chance in the draw…a draw they could really use in their favor.
To get back to the game, Calgary has been taking notes from around the league it seems as they have been sitting some of their regulars in order to let their rookies play as they dressed 7 forwards aged 23 or younger last night. The Flames 1st goal came from TJ. Brodie after a nice turnover play by Cundari and subsequent shot from Brodie. The star player for the Flames last night was Cervenka who had two goals for the night. Cervenka’s accuracy and shooting has been top notch and the Czech player converted 2 of 3 shots last night. He often only takes around 1 or 2 shots in most games played, yet he he’s totaled 9 goals and 17 points and when you consider that he frequently gets limited ice time or is sat, it’s pretty impressive.
Baertschi and Butler would earn assists on both Cervenka goals. Given their play of late together, perhaps the Baertschi – Cervenka match up is one Hartley will want to further develop. Last night extends a points streak for both forwards and Cervenka now has points in his last 3 games while Baertschi has points in his last 6. Nice to see some chemistry and positivity developing from a recently disassembled roster.
As mentioned, Stempniak, Cammalleri, Backlund, Jackman, and Stajan all sat out the game to make room for their youth. Recently recalled Street, Aliu, Byron, Cundari, Jones, and Bancks were all given a shot last night. Byron and Cundari each earned an assist on Brodie’s goal. Carter Bancks played his first game as a Flame, playing with McGrattan and Byron for 12:33. Overall, all the youth played decently well.
Although Kiprusoff was on the losing end, he came out better than Nasvhille netminder Pekka Rinne who allowed 3 goals on only 18 shots. Moving forward, the Flames will travel to St. Louis to face former Flame Jay Bouwmeester for the first time who has had success with the Blues since being moved.
Make sure to check out MUCHmoreDeals for great prices on hockey tickets or other venues across North America, and much more!
Our draft pick discussion today will #6 on the scouting list, Ryan Pulock. He’s a big defenseman at 6’1 and 211lbs and currently plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Pulock has put up good numbers for the Wheat Kings, scoring 14 goals and 31 assist this season alone. More of an offensive defenseman, Ryan has only registered 22 minutes in penalties this season…similarities to a former Flames defender Jay Bouwmeester.
What can he bring to Calgary? He’s point shot is impressive and after trading Bouwmeester, that talent could be useful for the Flames. He has vision when clearing the puck and can play in all situations as he’s been quite effective on the power play. The defender is often described as poised, which is an indication that he’s a well balanced player and smart on the ice; two attributes the Flames are high on when looking at young talent.
Conversely, the Flames could pass him up because defensemen are not necessarily their top priority right now. With their first selection, they will be looking for a bigger forward, specifically a centerman, and I would doubt very much that Pulock is around for their second selection in the first round. Additionally, the Flames are still working on maturing Brodie’s play and the integrating of Cundari on their defensive lines. That being said, I would not hold that the Flames are set defensively, though if they could potentially land a center and Pulock somehow this summer, they’d be in a great spot moving forward.
With Seth Jones slated to go 1st overall and provided that Ryan’s such a solid defender, he could easily become prime real-estate in this upcoming NHL draft.
Would you like if the Flames made some moves in order to acquire two higher first round selections this year, or would you like them to keep all their current selections and increase their odds at finding a gem?
That’s all for today folks, thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»