Yeah I didn't mean that as a criticism, I think I was just speaking in terms of what I would have liked to see during the Oilers stay in the basement.

Columbus, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa have all done losing seasons "right", and it takes a little bit of mental fortitude but imo goes a long way.

Not that the Oil are permanently stunted mind you.
- Morris

Oh I hear you...and the thing the Flames have going for them is their coaching style...hard work, gritty and defensive systems...all these things could really help them out despite missing some key star players.

Other than Jaybo the guys they traded were TERRIBLE last season. Kipper had the worst numbers (including AHL call ups) and they were still better than 5 teams.

This idea that they are a lock for last place is misguided...its alright though, CBJ was a lock for last, last summer remember.

Flames couldnt beat most AHL teams in a best of 7
- PinkSock

Not to harp on the Nucks or anything...but I can see a nosedive in Vancouver soon...no way Luongo (for one) goes back to playing with his heart given the way he was treated. I dont know, Ive always liked the Nucks as a strong Canadian team (despite their playoff-play), but I think their time has passed.

Other than Jaybo the guys they traded were TERRIBLE last season. Kipper had the worst numbers (including AHL call ups) and they were still better than 5 teams.

This idea that they are a lock for last place is misguided...its alright though, CBJ was a lock for last, last summer remember.
- flashfire

Guys...the TEAM was terrible...its tough for guys like Kipper and Iggy to carry such a team on their backs given how they were playing...but yes, Kipper is in retirement mode and Iginla wants to win a cup so you all have a point, to a certain degree.

Than Tampa and Edmonton??? Possibly, but I don't think they will be better than the LEAFS.

Could be but,,,No. Not this year.

I don't think he is that far off. Really, JBO & our blueline is the only casualty of the sell off. Iggy was so invisible for so many games. He was also pretty uncoachable here in Calgary, hence the revolving door of frustrated coaches. Our D was soft & with SOB & Cundari, that changes. Quite frankly, for the first time in years, I have no idea what a group of young players willing to do whatever the coaches want will translate to an 82 game season. That may translate better than you think & if Berra & Ramo give us decent goaltending, we are going to catch teams taking us lightly & playing their backups. The players that I truly think have the potential to step up & get noticed league wide as being star status is Ramo, Berra, Brodie, Sven & a real longshot if Monahan stays up, it'll be because he's having a Calder season. Where we finish will just happen, this year is all about hoping we have some future star players on the flames. Bonus will be drafting at least another one next year.
- Kevin R

For all the reasons youve listed, I see the Flames finishing a few spots out of the basement, but not by far...they have far too many question marks and new faces without a ton of leadership right now. Sure Glencross/Stemp/Wideman will likely take over as leaders on the team...but unless they have immediate chemistry and Ramo comes ready to play...it will be a struggle next year.

Your on crack, I'm hoping the flames offer sheet Franson that way the leafs can get the first overall pick when Cakgary finishes LAST!!!

All things considered...I would not have even written a blog like this had it not been for reading that article this morning lol...it was just really not well put together...I had to comment...
- Colin Dambrauskas

Totally agree about that article Colin. I like the stats perspective they give, it is very enlightening but I have gotten into it with some writers who have totally written off Jankowski as a complete bust & embarrassment. How in God's name can you make that statement from the limited stats on an 18 year old kid who is starting to grow. Some of those writers are so negative, they could write about the Hawks & make you feel the Hawks are a lotto team because of stats. I have challenged them to give us a stat explanation of players that have good Corsi numbers but have a poor year. How can that happen in a strictly stat world?

Who cares about where you finish. I think the Oilers worried too much about that and not enough about how hard they were going to be to play against on a night-by-night basis.

If you guys are going to be bad, be bad guy wrestlers. Get McGrattan in there to take some misconducts. Grease a goalie. Try to put Kesler or Hemsky out for the season, and go for broke in creating turnovers and on the forecheck. Play the trap like your lives depended on it.

If the flames do that, they'll get a little mojo going regardless. I think the flames will lose a fair amount of games. How they play in those losses will be the real story.
- Morris

Haha! Well done

I only see Florida standing in the way of the coveted last place finish for the Flames this year.

It is bight the bullet time and suck it up for 2 seasons for a proper rebuild, not Edmonton style, a proper 3 year rebuild and then compete for a playoff spot.

I am not convinced that King/Edwards have the stomach for it though and can see making some moves for short term gain that will again set the franchise back again.

They haven't had that mindset for a long time. It's going to take a major culture shift for that to happen, and the roster is still too similar to last years (minus all the top end talent) to expect that this year.
- Egleg

Seriously???

Your on crack, I'm hoping the flames offer sheet Franson that way the leafs can get the first overall pick when Cakgary finishes LAST!!!
- BlueWave

Im assuming you stopped reading after the title...didnt you

Good article as always Colin.

It all boils down to 2 things for me: Goaltending and Team Chemistry

Goaltending is obviously the biggest question mark. If either Ramo or Berra comes in ala Fasth then they could finish ahead of a handful of teams in the west that's for sure.

Team chemistry, something this team has lacked for 3-4 years. You'd be surprised what this can do for a team, the Flames have compiled a nice group of similar aged players. If they get along and are willing to go to battle for each other, this team could surprise some people.

That being said.......the will probably be right near the bottom

Totally agree about that article Colin. I like the stats perspective they give, it is very enlightening but I have gotten into it with some writers who have totally written off Jankowski as a complete bust & embarrassment. How in God's name can you make that statement from the limited stats on an 18 year old kid who is starting to grow. Some of those writers are so negative, they could write about the Hawks & make you feel the Hawks are a lotto team because of stats. I have challenged them to give us a stat explanation of players that have good Corsi numbers but have a poor year. How can that happen in a strictly stat world?
- Kevin R

The Janitor is still AT LEAST a year/two away from being properly assessed...at least...

The Janitor is still AT LEAST a year/two away from being properly assessed...at least...
- Colin Dambrauskas

It's funny because if the Janitor ever does reach his potential that nickname will be awesome!

I only see Florida standing in the way of the coveted last place finish for the Flames this year.

It is bight the bullet time and suck it up for 2 seasons for a proper rebuild, not Edmonton style, a proper 3 year rebuild and then compete for a playoff spot.

I am not convinced that King/Edwards have the stomach for it though and can see making some moves for short term gain that will again set the franchise back again.
- Lanny9

One of my next topics actually...and also one of my fears for the team....

Good article as always Colin.

It all boils down to 2 things for me: Goaltending and Team Chemistry

Goaltending is obviously the biggest question mark. If either Ramo or Berra comes in ala Fasth then they could finish ahead of a handful of teams in the west that's for sure.

Team chemistry, something this team has lacked for 3-4 years. You'd be surprised what this can do for a team, the Flames have compiled a nice group of similar aged players. If they get along and are willing to go to battle for each other, this team could surprise some people.

That being said.......the will probably be right near the bottom
- The-O-G

Still no love for Joey Mac as good as he played last year. Amazing, the guy never gets any respect. He is the Dangerfield of tending..

It's funny because if the Janitor ever does reach his potential that nickname will be awesome!


- The-O-G

You mean something like....

"And again, the Janitor helps sweep the Flames past the Oilers, for the 4th straight time this year!"

Colin Dambrauskas: Could the Calgary Flames place better than Toronto, Edmonton, Tampa?
- Colin Dambrauskas

Ya whatever calgary writer that thought the flames would be better than Toronto and Edmonton.....is a complete fool.

Still no love for Joey Mac as good as he played last year. Amazing, the guy never gets any respect. He is the Dangerfield of tending..
- bixll

Ive given him plenty of respect actually...he will CERTAINLY help Ramo readjust to the NHL ice and bail the team out at times. I like em.

They haven't had that mindset for a long time. It's going to take a major culture shift for that to happen, and the roster is still too similar to last years (minus all the top end talent) to expect that this year.
- Egleg

not sure what roster you're looking at.

Cammy will be gone. And Gio/GlenX are probably the two that I expect to stick through things.

Ive given him plenty of respect actually...he will CERTAINLY help Ramo readjust to the NHL ice and bail the team out at times. I like em.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I understand he is no Ken Dryden. But, he is a nice guy, and a local kid that works hard and does a lot for the kids. Screwed the pouch on his family life, but the life of a hockey has taken a toll on many marriages.

Totally agree about that article Colin. I like the stats perspective they give, it is very enlightening but I have gotten into it with some writers who have totally written off Jankowski as a complete bust & embarrassment. How in God's name can you make that statement from the limited stats on an 18 year old kid who is starting to grow. Some of those writers are so negative, they could write about the Hawks & make you feel the Hawks are a lotto team because of stats. I have challenged them to give us a stat explanation of players that have good Corsi numbers but have a poor year. How can that happen in a strictly stat world?
- Kevin R

The problem with people and advanced stats is that too many people place too much relevance on them...you cannot judge a players year/production simply looking at advanced stats...theres a lot more going on there that cannot be explained by charts and or ranks...

not sure what roster you're looking at.

Cammy will be gone. And Gio/GlenX are probably the two that I expect to stick through things.
- numbear

I actually have the feeling that Cammy plays out the year with Calgary. Or maybe its just my stomach growling because its time for lunch...ill get back to you on that