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Yes that’s right; the Calgary Flames have won at home for the first time since December 23rd, putting an end to a seven game losing streak in front of a home crowd. I know, not as exciting as I lead you to believe, but it was big win for the team struggling at home just the same.
The Flames started last night’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes on a good note with a goal by Sean Monahan. With the only goal of the first period, TJ Galiardi would chase a puck which was nearly past the Coyotes goal line and throw it in front to Monahan who was all alone.
Last night’s goal would rank the Flames 6th overall pick in 2013 as the team’s leading goal scorer, moving ahead of Mike Cammalleri and Jiri Hudler. Monahan has also notched six assists so far this year, giving him a total of 20pts for the year - not too bad for a first year rookie I’d say! This also ranks Sean 3rd in rookie scoring for the year.
"We have great fans so we want to play hard for them and win games for them," said Monahan. "Together as a group, we know we can be better than we were and that's what we're working towards."
Calgary would secure a two goal lead after TJ Brodie sprung Lance Bouma on a partial break, beating Canada’s 3rd starter for the 2014 Olympic team. With credit given to Karri Ramo, the Flames would hold the Coyotes scoreless until the midway point of the second period when Antoine Vermette would absolutely wire a one timer from Lauri Korpikoski to notch his 15th goal of the year.
Not wanting to give up their lead and put the game at risk, Calgary kept pressing in the 2nd, outshooting the Coyotes 15-13. During an attempt to move the puck to Mark Giordano, David Jones would ultimately set up Matt Stajan who picked up an errant pass sitting at the top of the faceoff circle and hammer his 8th goal and 18th point of the year to give the Flames a 3-1 lead.
The third period would slow down for the Flames offensively, only picking up five total shots on net and the Coyotes would answer with a goal of their own, by captain Shane Doan. The game star, for me, was Karri Ramo who kept his team in the game stopping 30 shots and improving his record to 9-10-4.
Ramo has been appearing a lot more comfortable in his own crease as he plays with more composure than the start of his Flames career displayed. He has certainly earned the starting role for the Flames and is expected to continue to develop his game with the team as the year progresses.
"We've faced some tough times. But the last few home games, we've been playing really good too, especially against Pittsburgh we played really good and we haven't got the reward," Ramo said. "We deserved to win today."
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As the title suggests, it has been made clear by the Flames that the asking price for Mike Cammalleri is currently a first round draft selection and a prospect, according to Brian Burke.
While I am sure that this is exactly what fans are hoping for, I remain irresolute that Cammalleri will in fact yield such a price. And though I could see a team or two needing his services of enough to pay the price, I feel that Burke may be more interested in a higher level prospect and a 2nd round draft pick which could speed up their current rebuild plan.
Two first round draft picks this year will be a nice thing to possess for the Calgary franchise, but I cannot stress enough how I just don’t see it happening for the Flames and as such, we should discuss/consider "plan b"...at least one that doesn't involve an extension.
As we have all been a part of, and witnessed trades ensue, GM’s will always start with a higher value as you do when you list your home for sale, for instance. That said, sometimes you get your full asking price if you have several bids, but in the case of Cammalleri, I feel that there is likely only two serious teams, with a few feelers.
As tough as is it to not discuss these rumors, it will likely be a constant topic of conversation among Flames fans as we get ever so close to the trade deadline. Moreover, with Mike recovering from his concussion and currently working out on his own and “looking good”, I expect that Brian Burke may be pulling the trigger on a deal the moment he can or does play another game with the Flames.
For discussion sake, two other teams have been brought up of late with respect to possible destinations for Mike. Last night Roger Millions mentioned the potential interest from the Phoenix Coyotes for the veteran winger.
Personally, I am not sure that there would be too much interest from the Yotes as they are not likely to try and compete with teams like the Kings and or Wings for his services. Furthermore, it will be a team on the cusp of a playoff run who will likely pay the asking price for Cammalleri, and that doesn’t scream Coyotes to me.
Lastly, there are a number of people who think that the Montreal Canadiens may also make a push, or at the very least a phone call regarding the potential acquisition. Similar to my reasoning with the Coyotes, I do not see the Canadiens being interested, either.
What do you think? Are there any teams who you feel could sneak in and make an offer for Mike?
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