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There isn't much in the way of new Calgary Flames topics to discuss right now so in today's post I'll be answering Flames questions that were posed to me via Twitter.
I like to make my posts interactive with the readers whenever possible and I figured today would be a good day to do that.
Without further ado, here is today's Q&A.
From @ThatDudePB_: What place do you believe the Flames will finish in the Western Conference?
Honestly, I think the Flames are going to get smacked around pretty good this season. There's question marks at essentially every position and they're playing in the same division as some of the top teams in hockey in the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, etc. It's going to get worse before it gets better and I think this season will be terrible in terms of on-ice success.
Looking at the rest of the teams in the Western Conference, I'd be surprised if the Flames don't finish last. Best case scenario (in terms of on-ice success) they finish ahead of a couple of teams, but that won't do them any good.
It's going to be a long year in Calgary. What Flames fans can look forward to is watching T.J. Brodie, Sven Baerstchi and the rest of their young players continue to develop.
From @DarrinHarmy: is there any player(s) on the #Flames who should have a standout performance this season? If so, who, if no one, why not?
I think Brodie and Baerstchi will both take huge steps forward this season and really start turning into upper-echelon players. Brodie played very well last season, especially in the 2nd half, and will be given every opportunity to succeed this year. He'll see ice on the power play, penalty kill, and log huge minutes during 5 vs. 5 play. As I said, he'll be put in every position to succeed and I think he'll take advantage of the opportunities given.
As for Baerstchi, he should see top-6 minutes on a nightly basis and get to play with some of the best players the Flames have. He'll also see power play time and be played in scenarios to best utilize his offensive abilities.
In short, I think Brodie and Baertschi will take big steps forward this season.
From @Belly_Devil: What do you think about Roman Červenka as a player? Was his decision to leave NHL "right"? What's you opinion?
I liked Cervenka's talent, but some players just aren't suited for the NHL. Cervenka looked like he was having a tough time adjusting to NHL speeds and North American style of play, and I think he's better suited for European hockey on the big ice. Could he have adjusted with more time? Possibly, but I think both sides agreed it was best to move on from their experiment.
From @N_BA_Marshall: How do you think Karri Ramo will pan out for Flames in net?
I think Ramo will be much better this time around than years ago when he saw some NHL action, but I don't know that he'll be anything more than an average starter.
It appears he's the best option the Flames have in goal going forward and they're paying him a decent amount of cash, so I think he's the guy. The question is, for how long?
The Flames goaltending situation will be very interesting to watch this season but ultimately I see Ramo playing pretty well and getting the majority of the starts.
From @GDubs10: who's going to win the Calder?
Sean Monahan, obviously. In all seriousness, there are plenty of good candidates and I haven't exactly decided who my pick is yet. I usually do award predictions closer to the season.
As of right now, I'll say Nathan MacKinnon just because he's a beast and he has plenty of offensive weapons around him. That said, my pick could change in a couple weeks time when I publish my full award predictions.
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Who should be the Flames next captain?
Aaron Ekblad, anyone?
Comparing Mark Giordano to other power play defenseman.
Who will lead the Flames in defensive scoring?
Calgary Flames sign college free agent Josh Jooris.
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