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I could go on and on about how cheap the win was against the Flames tonight but nobody would care. Tampa Bay (and Florida) exists in America's wang where nobody gives a damn about hockey so covering those games is pointless.

Nonetheless here is a quick run down of the game:

1) Rene Bourque lost after one shift after taking a cheap shot to the head. I will say it AGAIN, the NHL is a JOKE of a professional league because it's the last sport that PERMITS and ENCOURAGES shots to the head (and thus decreasing the careers of players). The hit Bourque took was clean--he was smoked by a player coming out of the box--but the lack of respect on ice and no head shot rule means a clean hit is not only unpenalised but you lose players. Bourque didn't return.

2) Kotalik threw a nice hit on the ice, but apparently nice hits (this wasn't even that 'hard') need to be 'punished'. Kotalik had his first fight, yes a fight, as a Flame, but was thrown out of the game for not having a tie down. I don't understand that stupid rule either if someone instigates a fight and you don't have a tie down.... I digress.

3) The same suspects don't score, Iginla namely, Langkow, Higgins (since NY), and so on.

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The 'New' Flames started their first game on a brief Eastern road trip visiting the sunny skies of Florida. In fact, the Flames won't leave until after their game tomorrow against Tampa Bay.

Most fans are still uneasy with the new look, many haven't seen the likes of Higgins or Kotalik closely. Jury's still out on Stajan and Hagman too.

This evening, all goals came on special teams where Calgary looked surprisingly in control.


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Edmonton beat Carolina two days ago, Calgary was expected to win. However, that's not a gimmie especially given the fact a third of the lineup has changed in two games. New Flames Kotalik and Higgins drew in th elineup and played with Langkow. Neither played much of a factor in the game, but Kotalik did lead the team with shots on goal with 5. The other new Flames didn't do much either. Stajan with his first goal, Mayers with a fight and instigator.

The difference tonight was a) Calgary played a weak Carolina, b) the secondary scoring lost for the last 15 games briefly re-appeared in one player: Curtis Glencross.

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You are the heart of diehard fans who always thrive to see you succeed; whether it is against the Edmonton Oilers or the Chicago Blackhawks. Whether you win some or lose some, our feelings never change.

The month of January had been terrible for everyone: for you and your loyal fans and it had been difficult to keep pace with the pessimistic comments from some of the rival team’s fans. However, the hardest hit came from the recent blockbuster trades because we lost some of our precious players. It was beyond belief and made every fan in Calgary outrageous. We realize that it must have been harder for some of you who lost your line mates.


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The news finally went through, a day late, but it's final.

Some bad news coming out of Flames land yet again, this time another deal, which would be considered blockbuster if it weren't for yesterday's transaction, with under-performing centerman Oli Jokinen at the heart of the matter.

The deal involves Jokinen and Prust to NY Rangers for Ales Kotalik (remember him from Edmonton) and Chris Higgins.

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Four New Flames Debut

Darryl Sutter has the balls to make big trades. But in reality they do nothing to change the heart of the team. OK, it's too early to make any conclusions, but after the 6-1 drubbing of the Oilers Saturday, Calgary folded the tent and the new Flames looked average.

The Saddledome had a nervous anticipation in the air. Four new players from Toronto, fans waiting to see what would transpire, and frankly, the fans were more nervous. This was the first game I can remember where I could clearly hear people in the stands and the players on the ice talk. Cudos to fans who went to the game tonight, you were more boring than the players on the ice and you paid to be there!

Flames Loose 13th in 15

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On behalf of all the Calgary Flames's fans, I take this opportunity to thank Dion Phaneuf for his contributions as a member of the Calgary Flames Defense. You will be missed and remembered for your offensive efforts during the powerplay and we will cheer for your when you are on ice. Wishing you the best in your future endeavours.. Good luck, Dion.

The trade deal certainly came as a shock, but we warmly welcome the new members of the team: Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers, Matt Stajan and Ian White. Welcome aboard as you join the Calgary Flames Hockey Club and we wish you success.

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The only worthwhile draft pick of Darryl Sutter's entire career as GM has been traded to Toronto for little more than a defensive defenceman, two UFAs, and Niklas Hagman. Sutter traded Dion Phaneuf in a monster blockbuster trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Phaneuf will find a fine home in Toronto and the Flames will rid themselves of an underachieving and overpriced defenceman. One thing is for sure, Phaneuf isn't a 'Derek Morris' and will certainly blossom into star defenceman that will leave Flames fans shaking their heads in two years time.

By that time Keith Aulie, defensive prospect for Calgary now with the Leafs, may also crack the lineup in Toronto and show everyone why he's made the national junior team. Calgary on the other hand will say goodbye to Mayers, will high give Hagman for his defensive game, and will have one of White or Stajan, but likely not both. So the trade amounts to Hagman and White? for Phaneuf.

Point Burke.

The Trade:

To Calgary: Jamal Mayers, Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White

To Toronto: Dion Phaneuf, Fredrick Sjostrom, Keith Aulie

More Stats and in-Depth Coverage on the Trade

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**TSN Confirmed***

The rumor mills from some reputable sources are heating up over at TSN that Dion Phaneuf has been traded for a bag of hockey pucks. The overpriced but highly touted Phaneuf was traded to Toronto for two unrestricted free agents, one at the end of his career, the other an underachieving LW, a defenceman who's a notch above Cory Sarich, and Hagman.

Darren Dreger reported a blockbuster trade that will see Calgary pick up White, Stajan, Mayers, and Hagman for Phaneuf, Aulie, and Sjostrom. To me this sounds like way too much given away by Calgary. Phaneuf is improving although still below expectations, but replacing him with White, a cheaper Cory Sarich, and giving away a prized defensive prospect in Aulie isn't the answer. This is a loose for the Flames. Stajan and Hagman will give us some relief up front, but they aren't the scoring touch we need.

If Sutter literally 'gives away' Phaneuf I can't see fans being thrilled even if it is the bad ass Phaneuf. Sutter DID give Phaneuf away. More details to come.

For the first time in the 30 year history of the Battle of Alberta, the Flames took the season series in a sweep. It's the first time ever in fact. In fitting fashion the Calgary Flames stormed back to the win column with a drubbing of their Northern provincial rivals at home in the 'Dome. I was walking around town today saying, "tonight will be the TSN turning point of the season." Let's hope the Flames don't make a mockery out of me when they play the visiting Flyers Monday. But I have to say, they've certainly come out of their slump in a big way--let's hope it continues.

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