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Hockey season is officially opening tonight as the Flames take on the Canucks at the Saddledome.
Tonights game marks the start of a big season for both teams who made considerable changes in the off season. Both teams have added new goaltenders, Vancouver fired Tortorella for Desjardins, and Calgary hired GM Treliving.
All things considered, these two teams are rather different from what they offered both on the ice and off, just 2-3 short years ago.
With respect to the good guys, the Flames made some great strides last season, they kept games close and became a more competitive NHL team. With the respect which they earned league wide, in addition to the players who they introduced, I only imagine that this season will likely resemble last.
What's nice to see is the progression offered by Calgary who is slowly patching their holes and starting to turn a corner. Right now the Flames have a good mix of youth and veterans which is key to the development of their youth, but also remaining competitive. The injury to Sam Bennett is a big blow after he showed great promise in preseason but it will allow the Flames to focus on Gaudreau’s addition and let Bennett develop in the minors as he should.
I’m sure most Flames fan out there are excited to see Gaudreau start in only his 2nd NHL game as a member of the Calgary Flames. The forward certainly showed up in preseason and I for one can’t wait to see if that carries over. If Gaudreau's season goes anything like Monahan’s last year, it gives Calgary a bright future.
With all that being said, it’s not as important for the Flames to win games this year as it is for the Flames to win certain games. What I mean by this is that the team needs to focus on their overall play, their structure, and their systems for future years to come. They are developing certain players at the NHL level, and it's crucial that they don't necessarily focus on the finish line, but rather the steps it will take to get there.
As such, they need to focus on converting on the power play, winning in OT, winning at home, and protecting the lead. If the Flames can improve in areas such as these, their season should be considered a success. And as offered by Brian Burke, President of Hockey Operations -
"Last season, by all accounts, was a positive and significant first step as we finished with a flourish. The year was highlighted by the “turning point… following the Vancouver excitement, a league record of one goal games, and a solid entry draft in June."
At the end of the day the Flames have a good young core and some skillful vets but still lack in terms of overall depth. That being said this is the year to start developing. With the exception of Bennett the Flames roster is healthy and with their underdog attitude the Flames will have another hard fought gritty season.
Below are your projected lines. Enjoy the game, and thanks for reading!
Glencross - Monahan - Hudler Raymond - Backlund - Bouma Gaudreau - Colborne - Byron Bollig - Stajan - McGrattan
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Engelland Smid - Wideman
Hiller