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There has been one certain aspect of this Calgary Flames team which I simply have not been able to decide upon when it comes to their successes, and that is whether the team has really developed a strong chemistry together, or if other teams simply take them too lightly.
I know I have likely discussed it a few times too many this year, but I either get the impression that no one else is as impressed with their record, or have not put enough thought into it. What a typical fan of a certain team or the NHL as a whole likely expects from a rebuilding franchise is twofold; sitting at the bottom of the standings, and having a rough time competing.
With that established, the Calgary Flames, while near the bottom of the standings, have been the furthest thing from easy to play against. As I have alluded to several times, the Flames have managed to keep the majority of their games within one goal, and have most recently improved upon said record, if you will.
What I have been paying close attention to over the season has been the “way” that the Flames have lost their games. For those who missed the blog a week or so ago, I went on to explain how the majority of Calgary’s losses this year were one goal games. If we only consider their last ten games, the Flames have kept six games within one goal, and of the four which were separated by more than one goal, Calgary won three. That said, there was only one game out of their last ten which they were “dominated”, per se, which was against the LA Kings, ending in a whopping 2-0 loss.
That is more than just impressive folks…even when you add the fact that the team has been short a few of their veteran players and starting goalie.
Last night’s win over the struggling Anaheim Ducks was just another reason for fans to cheer, because here’s the thing – the Calgary Flames are still tied for 4th worst in the league, with teams like Edmonton and the Islanders who have been improving their own play.
With Mikael Backlund registering two goals last night making it 16 for the year (career best), one of which shorthanded, the Flames burnt past the Ducks who should have been a much tougher competition than they proved to be.
"A nice boost for the team," said Backlund. "There's been a lot of games lately where we score one or two goals, so it's nice to have seven goals against one of the best teams in the league."
And how did the Ducks feel?
"I think every guy in the room should be completely embarrassed at how they played tonight -- every single person," said Andrew Cogliano. "To start a road trip, one of our biggest road trips and having a division rival chasing you down and have a ton on the line, it's ridiculous how we played."
Which brings me back to my original point – are teams not giving enough effort against the Flames, or do they deserve more credit than they have been receiving?
For me, someone who has watched just about every game so far, this team simply looks like they have one goal in mind every night; prove everyone wrong. They understand that their roster is short a few star players. They understand that the team is rather young and inexperienced. Are they going to use that as an excuse this year as to why they lost so many games? Well, a team who has 39/66 games which were decided by one goal, for me, says no.
The Calgary Flames will try and keep their strong play going as they take on the Dallas Stars tomorrow night. Most fans wouldn’t be upset with another loss from this team, provided they are able to keep it as close as they have been so far.
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March Q&A-
Shane(@ShaneVCovell) asks - Who would be the top 4 Free Agents Burke could look at in July?
This is a popular question Shane! The issue I have with answering questions like these is toward the fact that it can be rather difficult to assume which players may be available by July 1st.
That said, and assuming the current Free Agents do not sign, below is the only player I feel that Burke would show interest toward. The reason I have only listed one player for you, is that beyond the possibility of said player not re-signing with their team, there is no one else that even intrigues me. The Flames have a ton of young prospects/projects who they need to try and develop in their own system, and those who are younger and will be UFA’s next year, simply don’t interest me.
Paul Stastny, 28 years old, Centre for Colorado Avalanche
The reason I feel that Paul could sign with the Flames if he were to test the market is twofold; firstly, Stastny will be looking for a place where he will be the go to guy. Secondly, he will want cash. Calgary happens to be one of few places who does not have a top 6 center spot cast in stone, but have cash to spend if they so choose.
Stastny would be the top guy for a few years while Monahan establishes himself within the role, but having a one-two punch of these two players could be a way to speed up the rebuild of this organization.
Acquiring a player like Paul for nothing but cash is certainly something I can see Burke pursuing, and he has a ton of cash to throw his way…however I do not anticipate the Avalanche allowing him to walk for free.
Whipper334 asks – Who’s the next GM of the Flames?
I think that the consensus here seems to be Joe Nieuwendyk, given his most recent ceremonial game. While I’m sure his name isn’t just in people’s minds because of this event, I have a feeling he is one of the few people who fans can relate to and feel comfortable with naming their new GM.
That said, I tend to agree. I do feel that, under the guidance of Brian Burke, that Joe could do a very good job and that if the decision is to be made, it will be done over the summer as Burke continues to do his best to set up the role for his successor. Runner up for me, is Claude Loiselle from the Toronto Maple Leafs who has close ties with Brian Burke, and is a very smart and responsible hockey man. He would also be a very good choice for this organization.
TandA4Flames asks - Which of the kids that we've seen this year start in CGY next year and where do they slot in?
When discussing this topic, it will largely depend on any moves/acquisitions that may happen in the summer, as I feel that Burke will be busy in the offseason, especially at the NHL draft.
That said, and with respect to the players who are currently on the roster, those I feel who will start and likely play the majority of the season next year with the Flames are as follows:
Sean Monahan, Sven Baertschi, Ben Hanowski, Max Reinhart, Chad Billins, Corban Knight, Tyler Wotherspoon, Joni Ortio, Johnny Gaudreau
Those remaining I either feel will no longer be a part of the organization, or not do enough to earn themselves a spot on the roster with the Flames. I do not expect all of the above players to move into a bigger role with the Flames, but these are the players I feel which will be atop said list.
The-O-G asks - What are you thoughts on the future of Glencross? Do you think he would be willing to waive his NTC to go to a contender either at the draft this summer, or next years trade deadline?
As we’ve mentioned several times this year, it is important to keep a number of vets around to ensure that your team a) remains competitive, but also b) to ensure your rookies/prospects have guidance in terms of their development.
That said, I do not feel that the Flames will have too many reservations when it comes to entertaining a potential for Glencross, and I do feel that he will be moved at some point either in the offseason, or during next season. This will require him providing a list of teams he would accept to be traded to, and despite being a "cowboy", I believe he would accept to be moved if the chance presented itself.
In addition to Mike Cammalleri who I feel will re-sign knowing in the back of his mind that Burke will try to move him again, Glencross will be victim number two with respect to trading a vet away in order to make more room for some new/young players.
His cap hit is quite low, all things considered, and he brings a nice level of grit and offense typically missing from teams. He can and will certainly fetch a decent return for the Calgary Flames which is plenty enough reason for them to look into moving the 31 year old.
That’s all for today folks! Thanks to all those who submitted questions, and as always, thanks for reading!
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