Sunday, September 5, 2010

Reigniting the Pilot Light

Day 5 of the 2010-2011 NHL season preview brings us to Calgary, and the Flames' hopes of going back to the playoffs.

CALGARY FLAMES


2009-2010 record: 40-32-10 (90 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: Jarome Iginla
Alternate Captains: Jay Bouwmeester, Robyn Regehr, Craig Conroy

3 Players to watch: Jarome Iginla is the team's best option.  Unfortunately, during most seasons, he's often the only option.  Last season was his lowest point totals (69), so he is looking to rebound.  The fact that he led the team in that category is more of an indictment on the team than on him.  With the signing of Olli Jokinen in the offseason, the pressure is now on him and the Sutters.  If he can rediscover his game that he left in Florida, then the Flames should make the playoffs.  Otherwise, he could find himself exiled from Calgary at the end of the year.  Ian White was acquired in the Dion Phaneuf trade last season and proved to be a solid pickup.  Expect him to give the blue line a little boost with his solid, if unspectacular play.

Things to look for: The Jokinen trade last season wouldn't have been so bad had they not included Brandon Prust in the deal.  In addition to getting practically nothing in return, they also lost an energy guy in Prust.  Signing Raitis Ivanans is good for some fights, but he isn't the energy guy that the Flames need.  Miikka Kiprusoff has been a rock in goal, but he has also been overworked in recent years.  That does not figure to change this year, as the backups are unproven.  Secondary scoring has almost always been a problem for the Flames, and with Jokinen and Alex Tanguay making a return to Calgary, the hope is that the duo will rediscover their scoring touch and give the Flames a boost in team scoring.  Defense was not a problem last year, and it won't be a problem again this year.

Prediction: 10th in West

Song: Kataklysm-Serenity in Fire

In keeping with something related to the Flames, the team (and the Sutters) will find no serenity if Jokinen doesn't rediscover his Florida scoring touch.

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