February 8, 2012 at 3:09 pm - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
Mikael Backlund. The enigma playing center for the Flames at one point holding the high hopes of fans on his shoulders but lately has few points to back them up disappointing many. The folks over at Match Sticks and Gasoline have long been vocal proponents of Mikael Backlund. Their look at his opportunities vis-a-vis performance concludes that although the point production isn't there he remains a valuable asset to the team.
Andrew Walker out of Fan 960 posted a blog entry about the short leash Backlund may/should be under given his lack of production. In Walker's mind scoring from the highly touted prospect is the be all and end all, and although management regards their prospect philosophy much differently than the past, he gives Backlund a year to prove his worth.
*EDIT ADD* FlamesNation Kent Wilson provides his usual in-depth analysis complete with analytical context on Backlund here. Good read that lacks the unnecessary vitriol.
October 18, 2011 at 9:42 pm - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
They did all the right things, and up until 5 minutes left in the game, it looked like another evening of doing all the right things but coming up short in the win column (and goal scoring). In the first edition of the Battle of Alberta (is this really a battle anymore?) Edmonton took the early lead on the PP and the Flames couldn't seem to get things moving offensively.
September 26, 2011 at 2:16 pm - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
Not too many surprises, more like disappointments from Flames camp. The management cut 14 players. 12 are off to Abbotsford, two are back to their junior teams.
Heading to AHL Heat:
Carter Bancks (LW)
Chris Breen (D)
T.J. Brodie (D)
Leland Irving (G)
Stefan Meyer (C)
Brendan Mikkelson (D)
Greg Nemisz (RW)
Joni Ortio (G)
Gaelan Patterson (C)
Joe Piskula (D)
Ben Walter (C)
Clay Wilson (D)
September 18, 2011 at 12:47 pm - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
The 2011-2012 NHL season is almost upon us. A TON of questions lie unanswered this year as the Flames come into the season slightly improved in a division where the opposition has grown in leaps and bounds.
Certainly, the sudden increase in talented prospects is obvious, but the divide between their NHL readiness and the current team is huge.
At big camp things got off to a rocky start with Iginla sitting out the first two days with back spasms.
June 26, 2011 at 10:02 am - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
Last year the Flames made splashes at the draft, but it wasn't by drafting anybody. Without any picks in the top two rounds the Flames sat around. This year is different, 3 selections in the first two rounds.
That didn't stop pre-draft day news from picking up steam mostly surrounding a possible Robyn Regehr trade. Then in the morning more rumours started flying that Calgary had made an offer for 6.5 million dollar man Ryan Smyth. Two rumored moves that fans shaking their heads.
As news comes in that Regher has agreed to go Buffalo, and the latter didn't happen (Smyth should be heading to Edmonton, thank God), fans could sit back and wait for the news of who would be taken in the first round and what type of stamp the new management would give the team.
June 25, 2011 at 12:17 am - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
***As of 9AM MST this deal is official. Only change is a 2nd rounder goes to Buffalo. A clear cut salary dump necessary to resign Tanguay to his 5 year deal.***
After days of speculation (who leaks these things anyways?) media reports are still humming and hawing about a possible deal that sees Robyn Regehr waive his no-move clause. Earlier this week the rumor started flying that the Flames had worked out a deal with Buffalo.
This evening during the draft live on TSN Feaster confirmed the Flames' request but noted Regehr hadn't made a decision. We're hearing now late that the deal is done. No official confirmation from either team. What we know is this: the players involved are most certainly part of the deal, but the deal is not official and has a chance of falling through.
June 22, 2011 at 10:41 am - By: Ro · Filed under Flames News
Calgary has lost a great leader and one of the greatest community contributors of the past century.
With great sadness, this morning the Calgary Flames, or rather the entire city, received news that philanthropist, businessman, Flames owner, and community leader Harley Hotchkiss lost his battle with cancer at the age of 83.
To Flames fans Hotchkiss will forever be remembered as one of the primary contributors that helped bring the Atlanta Flames to Calgary. He worked tirelessly throughout the lean years to ensure that our city would retain its professional NHL team. He would later become an important contributor to the league itself acting as chair to the board of governors working during tough times such as the most recent lockout. Read the rest of this entry »
Calgary has lost a great leader and one of the greatest community contributors of the past century.