Phoenix From The Flames- Calgary Rising?
Ever since long time star, Jarome Iginla packed his bags and said goodbye to the circus, fans of the Calgary Flames have endured a bleak season in Alberta. Last season was truly one to forget because aside from surprising yet massively amusing line brawl that broke out against Vancouver, they finished only 6th in the Pacific Division with a depressingly low goal total of 209 and a whopping 241 goals against! Along with the retirement of hero goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, the atmosphere at the Canadian Tire Centre had turned barren and many experts wrote the Flames off as a lost cause.
But in this off season, a few key acquisitions have paved the way for a possibly brighter 2014-15 season. The first step was drafting young star centre Sam Bennett fourth overall at the 2014 Draft. Touted by many as 1st overall pick, Bennett surprisingly was passed over by Florida in favour of defense-man Aaron Ekblad. Although he may have been disappointed at being denied this distinction, the Flames have had a great opportunity fall into their lap. Ever since Iginla's departure, the Flames have been short on star quality and have had to rely on solid pro's such as Mark Giordano and Mike Cammaleri (who has recently departed for New Jersey) who despite being consistent, are not exactly ground breaking.
With Bennett, the team has a young man to build a team around because as he ably demonstrated playing for the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL, he can score and produce goals. Last season he racked up an astounding 91 points which included 55 assists! Finally Calgary has a found a double threat who can possibly take them places. But the real question will forever be, is he NHL ready yet? The answer to this one will be when we see him take to the ice, Calgary would be smart not to promote him to the first line yet and to do what Colorado did with Nathan MacKinnon last season- have him bolster the 2nd/3rd lines first and go for there.
The other sensible choices has been signing Jonas Hiller as a free agent, his departure from Anaheim last season came as a real surprise to many, especially since he had shone in net for them in previous seasons. But Calgary snatching him is a real bargain for them since they have been lacking quality in net since 'The Kipper' called it a day. Karri Ramo struggles as the team's number one last season and star back up Reto Berra has now left to the join the Avalanche, so Hiller's arrival couldn't have come at a better time!
Seasoned pro Mason Raymond has also signed which gives them an attacking option on the 3rd/4th lines which is badly needed. After a decent season for the Maple Leafs last season, Raymond is a pro who can do the desired job needed and it would be sensible for Calgary to get him as a mentor to some of the younger players because he has excellent play-off and regular season experience they could learn from.
Like my previous article referring the new restructuring of the Buffalo Sabres, it could take years to get the desired results, but next season could well see a few more goals for the men in red. All the best for next year lads- will come and see you soon!
But in this off season, a few key acquisitions have paved the way for a possibly brighter 2014-15 season. The first step was drafting young star centre Sam Bennett fourth overall at the 2014 Draft. Touted by many as 1st overall pick, Bennett surprisingly was passed over by Florida in favour of defense-man Aaron Ekblad. Although he may have been disappointed at being denied this distinction, the Flames have had a great opportunity fall into their lap. Ever since Iginla's departure, the Flames have been short on star quality and have had to rely on solid pro's such as Mark Giordano and Mike Cammaleri (who has recently departed for New Jersey) who despite being consistent, are not exactly ground breaking.
With Bennett, the team has a young man to build a team around because as he ably demonstrated playing for the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL, he can score and produce goals. Last season he racked up an astounding 91 points which included 55 assists! Finally Calgary has a found a double threat who can possibly take them places. But the real question will forever be, is he NHL ready yet? The answer to this one will be when we see him take to the ice, Calgary would be smart not to promote him to the first line yet and to do what Colorado did with Nathan MacKinnon last season- have him bolster the 2nd/3rd lines first and go for there.
The other sensible choices has been signing Jonas Hiller as a free agent, his departure from Anaheim last season came as a real surprise to many, especially since he had shone in net for them in previous seasons. But Calgary snatching him is a real bargain for them since they have been lacking quality in net since 'The Kipper' called it a day. Karri Ramo struggles as the team's number one last season and star back up Reto Berra has now left to the join the Avalanche, so Hiller's arrival couldn't have come at a better time!
Seasoned pro Mason Raymond has also signed which gives them an attacking option on the 3rd/4th lines which is badly needed. After a decent season for the Maple Leafs last season, Raymond is a pro who can do the desired job needed and it would be sensible for Calgary to get him as a mentor to some of the younger players because he has excellent play-off and regular season experience they could learn from.
Like my previous article referring the new restructuring of the Buffalo Sabres, it could take years to get the desired results, but next season could well see a few more goals for the men in red. All the best for next year lads- will come and see you soon!
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