February 2, 2010 at 7:56 pm - By: anar · Filed under Flames News
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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February 1, 2010 at 10:45 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Transactions
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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February 1, 2010 at 10:10 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
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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February 1, 2010 at 3:02 pm - By: anar · Filed under Flames News
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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January 31, 2010 at 11:50 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Transactions
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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January 31, 2010 at 11:34 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Transactions
**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.
January 31, 2010 at 2:02 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
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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January 28, 2010 at 11:39 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
This is what I predict: the Flames will beat Edmonton Saturday and turn their season around. If they don't, it's all over and we can safely say that this team is worse than the 'Young Guns' teams from the early nineties.
Tonight, Calgary lost yet again, although showed some good signs. The team looks like one that's stuck in training camp mode without the intensity. Top players are still losers on the ice. Bouwmeester is now worse than Phaneuf! Iginla is absent, nobody can score, although Backlund got his first NHL goal.
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January 27, 2010 at 11:10 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Again, a short post to emphasize how uninterested I am in blogging about the Calgary Shames. Now they have lose 11 in the last 12 and only sit behind the Oilers as the worst team in the NHL these days.
Solution? Nothing. Iginla? Can't score in the SO to save his life largely because he doesn't really know how to deke. Scoring? Returned a bit, and Dallas got two lucky goals, so there is a bit of hope. The other piece of hope is we're only 7 points out of first in the NW division. Hope is a first line that got some scoring tonight, that's always good. However, the Flames need to win 18 games at minimum in the final stretch to even think about making the playoffs. That's a far stretch for this bunch.
No time to sleep, a hot Phoneix team up tomorrow.
January 27, 2010 at 12:24 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Game Day
Calgary visits Dallas and then Phoenix in a brief two game road-trip. THe Flames need something to happen to help turn the tide and prevent their 11th loss in 12 games and 8th straight. IN a move of desperation the club called C Mikael Backlund from the AHL Heat. I doubt he'll be the saviour, but I also know playing Iginla with third line checkers won't help either, so either way, I'm right. Kinda sad.
