Well, here we go folks, the final stretch of the season is here for our beloved Flames with only 9 games left to play. These 9 nines are so crucial if the Flames want to make the playoffs and even better win their division.
They will face all divisional foes, 2 against the Avalanche, 2 against the now red hot Oilers(1o wins in their last 12), 2 against the Wild and finally 3 against the Canucks. It all starts tomorrow night at the dome versus the Avalanche.
Iggy has reportedly talked with each player individually to emphasize their role on the Flames and remind them how important this final stretch is. I have all the confidence in the world with Iggy and his amazing play this year. He is the heart and soul of the Flames and one of the best captains in the league. All this talk about the Flames lacking leadership right now isn't true, the Flames have all the leadership they need, it is the supporting cast around our core players that is the problem right now.
I really have said everything I can say about the Flames play this year and it has now come to a point where I am just repeating myself over and over again, more consistency/intensity etc... All I can really say that they can still turn it up in this final stretch, get in the playoffs on a high note, hopefully with a division win and go from there. Not one shift can these guys let up in these last nine games, they need to go 100% all the time, play their game with lots of intensity and come out with the W. They cant take any of these teams lightly, even the Oilers, who are on absolute fire lately. No more playing down to the other teams level, crush every team and we will do just fine. Will the players be able to do this in the final 9 games and finally help out Iggy, Kipper and Phaneuf who have been great all year? With the evidence I have seen so far this year I doubt it but my heart and love for the Flames believes they can do it. No matter how frustrated I have been through this year with the Flames, my love for them has always overshadowed it and my confidence will always be there. I am looking forward to these final 9 games and the playoffs.
GO FLAMES GO!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
What a Joke!
Wow, congrats to Colin Campbell and the rest of the high members of the NHL for making their suspension system a complete joke after they gave Chris Pronger a repeat offender an 8-game suspension for stomping on Vancouver's Ryan Kesler after giving Chris Simon a 30-game earlier in the year for the same thing. I understand that it was two different incidents but Pronger deserved at least 15-20. The Ducks are probably partying after this decision cause they will still make the playoffs and will have Pronger back just in time for them. The league protects their stars but it has crossed the line on this decision.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Another One For Pronger
Wow, if this isn't enough evidence for the NHL to suspend idiot Chris Pronger then I dont know what is. If he isn't suspended then it shows everyone that the NHL do protect their all-star players which is just crap because Chris Simon got alot of brief when he stomped on Jarrko Ruutu and Pronger deserves it too. Pronger is a repeat offender and has gotten off lightly in my eyes so this should be his final straw and he should be given a long suspension.
Urgent Times
Road trip started, 2 games in for our beloved Flames and they have come out with two losses that should have been wins. FRUSTRATING!
I am up in the air to what to think about this club. Inconsistency is obviously the big thing after destroying St.Louis 7-3 then turning it around and losing to two non-playoff teams in Washington and Atlanta. I just dont understand it. My dad has really put it in the best words, in that whenever they play weaker teams, they play down to the other teams level and it is just so frustrating. Last night's loss was absolutely terrible while the Washington loss I thought was just terrible refereeing. Even so, the Flames need to shut down two players between the two teams, in Ovechkin and Kovalchuk and what did they do? Let them combine for 5 goals! Shut those two players down and you have got 2 wins, 2-1 and 4-3, not very pretty ones but wins are wins and every point is so important at this time of year. Their defensive game has been terrible lately and that was the one thing that I wish they had addressed more at the deadline. I'm pretty sure that I said that Brian Campbell would be the most valuable asset to pick up at the deadline and the Sharks picked him up. Since then they have gone on a 10 game winning streak.
I hope this team can find themselves in the final weeks of the season, pull some wins together, win the division and go in the playoffs playing consistent and confident hockey.
I am up in the air to what to think about this club. Inconsistency is obviously the big thing after destroying St.Louis 7-3 then turning it around and losing to two non-playoff teams in Washington and Atlanta. I just dont understand it. My dad has really put it in the best words, in that whenever they play weaker teams, they play down to the other teams level and it is just so frustrating. Last night's loss was absolutely terrible while the Washington loss I thought was just terrible refereeing. Even so, the Flames need to shut down two players between the two teams, in Ovechkin and Kovalchuk and what did they do? Let them combine for 5 goals! Shut those two players down and you have got 2 wins, 2-1 and 4-3, not very pretty ones but wins are wins and every point is so important at this time of year. Their defensive game has been terrible lately and that was the one thing that I wish they had addressed more at the deadline. I'm pretty sure that I said that Brian Campbell would be the most valuable asset to pick up at the deadline and the Sharks picked him up. Since then they have gone on a 10 game winning streak.
I hope this team can find themselves in the final weeks of the season, pull some wins together, win the division and go in the playoffs playing consistent and confident hockey.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Congrats
Congrats to Jarome Iginla on recording his franchise record 365th goal as a Calgary Flame. It came in a very good game for the Flames as they beat the Blues 7-3. Huselius and Lombo were both able to snap 20 game scoreless streaks, thank the lord!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mock Draft
I thought since there is so much talk recently whether teams like the Kings and the Leafs should just tank it the rest of the year so they can secure a high draft pick, that I would make my own mock draft. This is my early mock draft edition since I'm sure I'll do another one closer to the draft when the order is official just like I did last year. Order is from first to last in the standings from today.
1. Los Angeles Kings- Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia(OHL)
The Kings already have Frolov, Cammalleri, Kopitar and Brown to build their offense around are more likely to sign a big name to help out on their blueline. Stamkos is dominating the OHL and is likely to play in the NHL next year. Stamkos will look very good behind Kopitar as the Kings #2 center.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning- Drew Doughty, D, Guelph(OHL)
Each year the Lightning look for a #1 goaltender and have failed miserably with their last couple of choices, but now with very promising Mike Smith back-stopping them, do they figure out that it is their defense that is actually the problem. Doughty will give the Lightning someone else on their blueline other than Boyle.
3. Atlanta Thrashers- Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagara(OHL)
Atlanta needs some help on the back-end. They already have surprising Tobias Enstrom and Niclas Havelid to build around but that isn't enough. Adding Pietrangelo will solidify Atlanta's blueline and hopefully help goaltender Kari Lehtonen develop into a superstar goaltender.
4. St.Louis Blues- Zach Bogosian, D, Peterbrough(OHL)
With the progression of C Patrick Berglund and highly touted prospect, T.J. Oshie, the Blues look set up front along with Lee Stempniak and Brad Boyes. Bogosian will join up with Eric Johnson and hopefully become a dynamic duo on the Blues blueline for the future.
5. Nashville Predators(from Florida)- Nikita Filatov, LW, CSKA(Russia)
The Preds need help up front after losing Kariya and Forsberg in the off-season and with most of their past drafting focused on the back-end. The only problem here is the Russian factor but if he wanted the NHL that badly, he could just pull a 'Malkin'. Filatov is very, very talented and is worth the risk.
6. Anaheim Ducks(from Edmonton)- Kyle Beach, C, Everett(WHL)
I'm pretty sure the Ducks dont need this pick and Ducks GM Brian Burke is licking his lips to pick it, to get back at Kevin Lowe and the Oilers organization. Throughout the season the only thing they have been saying is that they need a #2 centerman. Kyle Beach is risky with his questionable attitude but he seems like a guy that Brian Burke would love to take.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs- Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna(WHL)
A stay at home defensemen is exactly what the Leafs need and is what they will get in Luke Schenn. Toronto's own end has been their downfall this season. Sorry McCabe and Kubina you guys just don't cut it.
8. Washington Capitals- Mikkel Boedker, LW, Kitchener(OHL)
The Caps need some secondary scoring to help out Ovechkin a little bit, even though I'm not sure if he even needs it. Anyways you can never score enough goals and Boedker could fit nicely on the 2nd line with Alexander Semin in the future.
9. Chicago Blackhawks- Colin Wilson, C, Boston U.(Hockey East)
The Blackhawks are like the Caps, the will need some secondary scoring to help Toews and Kane. Wilson would be the perfect guy for their 2nd line, and if Martin Havlat can ever stay healthy, he could be his new setup-man for the future.
10. New York Islanders- Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna(WHL)
There has been very little selection of defensemen for the Islanders in recent years and they will eventually have to restock. May as well start with 6 foot 7 Tyler Myers who's stocked has sky rocketed lately.
11. Columbus Blue Jackets- Colby Robak, D, Brandon(WHL)
The Blue Jackets will also have to re-build their back-end after trading away Adam Foote. While it is likely the Blue Jackets will sign someone in the off-season for the short term solution, drafting Colby Robak will help the future of the Blue Jackets blueline.
12. Buffalo Sabres- Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa(OHL)
The Sabres are just another team that could have some blueline issues in the future and need to help prevent the problem now. The trade of Brian Campbell could be the downfall of the Sabres but drafting Del Zotto who has had some troubles defensively, could replace Campbell's offensive production.
13. Phoenix Coyotes- Zach Boychuk, C/LW, Lethbridge(WHL)
The Coyotes need some help on the wing. Other than Doan and surprising Radim Vrbata the Coyotes dont have much for scoring wingers. Boychuk has played very well for the Hurricanes this season and can play both center and the wing. He is very talented with a good shot and good speed.
14. Carolina Hurricanes- Tyler Cuma, D, Ottawa(OHL)
Lots of teams will be looking for some blueline help for the future and the Canes are on the list. Tyler Cuma could fit in very well on the Carolina blueline in the future, he is just a solid two-way defensemen who is good at everything.
15. Nashville Predators- Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton(OHL)
The Preds are will be very fortunate this summer with two potentially high draft picks. The Preds will continue to stockpile their offense and draft center Cody Hodgson who plays a very smart game.
16. Philadelphia Flyers- John Carlson, D, Indiana(USHL)
You can never have too many defensemen and with the Flyers stacked up front with prospects James Van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux, they can play it safe and pick John Carlson who can add some depth to their blueline in the future.
17. Colorado Avalanche- Joshua Bailey, C, Windsor(OHL)
Well as much as everyone would like to see it, Super Joe cant play forever and Forsberg will be lucky to play any more than 1 season after this one. Bailey is very good offensively and has shown some leadership in turning around the Spitfires into a playoff team this year
18. Vancouver Canucks- Mikhail Stefanovich, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
Scoring, scoring and more scoring. Do I need to say much more when it comes to what the Vancouver Canucks need? Stefanovich has shown the talent to finish that cant be taught and the Canucks do need anything other than that.
19. New York Rangers- Colten Teubert, D, Kelowna(WHL)
The Rangers have had a problem in their own end for a number of years now. They are fine scoring wise and in net but their d-corps need some upgrading. Teubert is a stay at home defensemen and could fit in well on the Blue-Shirts blueline.
20. Boston Bruins- Mattias Tedenby, LW, HV 71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Bruins need some help on the wings to help their big name centers, Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron. Don't know alot of Tedenby but is rated high in both the NHL CBS and ISS rankings.
21. Calgary Flames- Tyler Ennis, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
My beloved Flames need a winger and at the 21st spot there wasn't much selection of them. Never fear though because Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers was still available and at only 5'8 is a very good candidate to move from the center to the wing when he plays in the NHL. Ennis plays hard and gritty but is very gifted offensively and has pretty good speed. He is a Sutter type player.
22. Minnesota Wild- Jordan Eberle, C, Regina (WHL)
Tough choice here with the Wild potentially needing some blueline help in the future but with the top defensive prospects already gone it would hard to pass up a guy like Eberle who could end up on the wing when he finally makes it.
23. New Jersey Devils- Evgeny Grachev, C, Yaroslavl 2 (Russia 2)
Once again the Russia factor comes in with Grachev but the Devils need another scoring center and this was the best guy available. I'm sure the Devils are looking for a young goalie to eventually take over for Marty Brodeur but that kind of goalie just isn't available at this spot.
24. Ottawa Senators- Chet Pickard, G, Tri-Cities( WHL)
Now the Senators are a team that can take a risk on a goalie at this position. The Senators unlike the Devils dont necessarily need a #1 if Ray Emery can ever find his game that took the Sens to the Cup final next year. This pick can be used for insurance.
25. Buffalo Sabres(from San Jose)- Jared Staal, RW, Sudbury (OHL)
The fourth installment of the Staal brothers but Jared seems to be the one with the most work. He has the Staal work ethic and lots of size and scoring ability. Could be a few years until he makes it to the NHL but it could pay off in the future for the Sabres.
26. Edmonton Oilers(from Anaheim)- Joe Colborne, C, Camrose (AJHL)
Colborne's stock has been sliding recently but Colborne has shown that he has good skill along with good speed. Just seems like a player the Oilers would take a chance on.
27. Atlanta Thrashers(from Pittsburgh)- Greg Nemisz, C, Windsor (OHL)
Nemisz is high on alot of draft rankings. He has alot of offensive skill and very good size at 6'3. The Thrashers dont have much depth at center so this should be a safe pick.
28. Montreal Canadiens- A.J. Jenks, LW, Plymouth (OHL)
Don't know alot about this guy but with Price being the Canadiens goalies of the future and with the Canadiens just stockpiled with young defensive prospects, they really only need to add some depth up front.
29. Los Angeles Kings- Vjateslav Voinov, D, Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Another 'Russia' player but this is the second pick for the Kings in the first round and with Steve Stamkos already picked to add to their already young stacked offense, the Kings need to add some depth to their blueline.
30. Detroit Red Wings- Luca Sbisa, D, Lethbridge (WHL)
The Red Wings blueline is awfully good right now but awfully old. The Red Wings have added a few defensive prospects in recent years and this will continue this year with the pick of Sbisa with the last pick in the draft.
1. Los Angeles Kings- Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia(OHL)
The Kings already have Frolov, Cammalleri, Kopitar and Brown to build their offense around are more likely to sign a big name to help out on their blueline. Stamkos is dominating the OHL and is likely to play in the NHL next year. Stamkos will look very good behind Kopitar as the Kings #2 center.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning- Drew Doughty, D, Guelph(OHL)
Each year the Lightning look for a #1 goaltender and have failed miserably with their last couple of choices, but now with very promising Mike Smith back-stopping them, do they figure out that it is their defense that is actually the problem. Doughty will give the Lightning someone else on their blueline other than Boyle.
3. Atlanta Thrashers- Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagara(OHL)
Atlanta needs some help on the back-end. They already have surprising Tobias Enstrom and Niclas Havelid to build around but that isn't enough. Adding Pietrangelo will solidify Atlanta's blueline and hopefully help goaltender Kari Lehtonen develop into a superstar goaltender.
4. St.Louis Blues- Zach Bogosian, D, Peterbrough(OHL)
With the progression of C Patrick Berglund and highly touted prospect, T.J. Oshie, the Blues look set up front along with Lee Stempniak and Brad Boyes. Bogosian will join up with Eric Johnson and hopefully become a dynamic duo on the Blues blueline for the future.
5. Nashville Predators(from Florida)- Nikita Filatov, LW, CSKA(Russia)
The Preds need help up front after losing Kariya and Forsberg in the off-season and with most of their past drafting focused on the back-end. The only problem here is the Russian factor but if he wanted the NHL that badly, he could just pull a 'Malkin'. Filatov is very, very talented and is worth the risk.
6. Anaheim Ducks(from Edmonton)- Kyle Beach, C, Everett(WHL)
I'm pretty sure the Ducks dont need this pick and Ducks GM Brian Burke is licking his lips to pick it, to get back at Kevin Lowe and the Oilers organization. Throughout the season the only thing they have been saying is that they need a #2 centerman. Kyle Beach is risky with his questionable attitude but he seems like a guy that Brian Burke would love to take.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs- Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna(WHL)
A stay at home defensemen is exactly what the Leafs need and is what they will get in Luke Schenn. Toronto's own end has been their downfall this season. Sorry McCabe and Kubina you guys just don't cut it.
8. Washington Capitals- Mikkel Boedker, LW, Kitchener(OHL)
The Caps need some secondary scoring to help out Ovechkin a little bit, even though I'm not sure if he even needs it. Anyways you can never score enough goals and Boedker could fit nicely on the 2nd line with Alexander Semin in the future.
9. Chicago Blackhawks- Colin Wilson, C, Boston U.(Hockey East)
The Blackhawks are like the Caps, the will need some secondary scoring to help Toews and Kane. Wilson would be the perfect guy for their 2nd line, and if Martin Havlat can ever stay healthy, he could be his new setup-man for the future.
10. New York Islanders- Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna(WHL)
There has been very little selection of defensemen for the Islanders in recent years and they will eventually have to restock. May as well start with 6 foot 7 Tyler Myers who's stocked has sky rocketed lately.
11. Columbus Blue Jackets- Colby Robak, D, Brandon(WHL)
The Blue Jackets will also have to re-build their back-end after trading away Adam Foote. While it is likely the Blue Jackets will sign someone in the off-season for the short term solution, drafting Colby Robak will help the future of the Blue Jackets blueline.
12. Buffalo Sabres- Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa(OHL)
The Sabres are just another team that could have some blueline issues in the future and need to help prevent the problem now. The trade of Brian Campbell could be the downfall of the Sabres but drafting Del Zotto who has had some troubles defensively, could replace Campbell's offensive production.
13. Phoenix Coyotes- Zach Boychuk, C/LW, Lethbridge(WHL)
The Coyotes need some help on the wing. Other than Doan and surprising Radim Vrbata the Coyotes dont have much for scoring wingers. Boychuk has played very well for the Hurricanes this season and can play both center and the wing. He is very talented with a good shot and good speed.
14. Carolina Hurricanes- Tyler Cuma, D, Ottawa(OHL)
Lots of teams will be looking for some blueline help for the future and the Canes are on the list. Tyler Cuma could fit in very well on the Carolina blueline in the future, he is just a solid two-way defensemen who is good at everything.
15. Nashville Predators- Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton(OHL)
The Preds are will be very fortunate this summer with two potentially high draft picks. The Preds will continue to stockpile their offense and draft center Cody Hodgson who plays a very smart game.
16. Philadelphia Flyers- John Carlson, D, Indiana(USHL)
You can never have too many defensemen and with the Flyers stacked up front with prospects James Van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux, they can play it safe and pick John Carlson who can add some depth to their blueline in the future.
17. Colorado Avalanche- Joshua Bailey, C, Windsor(OHL)
Well as much as everyone would like to see it, Super Joe cant play forever and Forsberg will be lucky to play any more than 1 season after this one. Bailey is very good offensively and has shown some leadership in turning around the Spitfires into a playoff team this year
18. Vancouver Canucks- Mikhail Stefanovich, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
Scoring, scoring and more scoring. Do I need to say much more when it comes to what the Vancouver Canucks need? Stefanovich has shown the talent to finish that cant be taught and the Canucks do need anything other than that.
19. New York Rangers- Colten Teubert, D, Kelowna(WHL)
The Rangers have had a problem in their own end for a number of years now. They are fine scoring wise and in net but their d-corps need some upgrading. Teubert is a stay at home defensemen and could fit in well on the Blue-Shirts blueline.
20. Boston Bruins- Mattias Tedenby, LW, HV 71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
The Bruins need some help on the wings to help their big name centers, Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron. Don't know alot of Tedenby but is rated high in both the NHL CBS and ISS rankings.
21. Calgary Flames- Tyler Ennis, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
My beloved Flames need a winger and at the 21st spot there wasn't much selection of them. Never fear though because Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers was still available and at only 5'8 is a very good candidate to move from the center to the wing when he plays in the NHL. Ennis plays hard and gritty but is very gifted offensively and has pretty good speed. He is a Sutter type player.
22. Minnesota Wild- Jordan Eberle, C, Regina (WHL)
Tough choice here with the Wild potentially needing some blueline help in the future but with the top defensive prospects already gone it would hard to pass up a guy like Eberle who could end up on the wing when he finally makes it.
23. New Jersey Devils- Evgeny Grachev, C, Yaroslavl 2 (Russia 2)
Once again the Russia factor comes in with Grachev but the Devils need another scoring center and this was the best guy available. I'm sure the Devils are looking for a young goalie to eventually take over for Marty Brodeur but that kind of goalie just isn't available at this spot.
24. Ottawa Senators- Chet Pickard, G, Tri-Cities( WHL)
Now the Senators are a team that can take a risk on a goalie at this position. The Senators unlike the Devils dont necessarily need a #1 if Ray Emery can ever find his game that took the Sens to the Cup final next year. This pick can be used for insurance.
25. Buffalo Sabres(from San Jose)- Jared Staal, RW, Sudbury (OHL)
The fourth installment of the Staal brothers but Jared seems to be the one with the most work. He has the Staal work ethic and lots of size and scoring ability. Could be a few years until he makes it to the NHL but it could pay off in the future for the Sabres.
26. Edmonton Oilers(from Anaheim)- Joe Colborne, C, Camrose (AJHL)
Colborne's stock has been sliding recently but Colborne has shown that he has good skill along with good speed. Just seems like a player the Oilers would take a chance on.
27. Atlanta Thrashers(from Pittsburgh)- Greg Nemisz, C, Windsor (OHL)
Nemisz is high on alot of draft rankings. He has alot of offensive skill and very good size at 6'3. The Thrashers dont have much depth at center so this should be a safe pick.
28. Montreal Canadiens- A.J. Jenks, LW, Plymouth (OHL)
Don't know alot about this guy but with Price being the Canadiens goalies of the future and with the Canadiens just stockpiled with young defensive prospects, they really only need to add some depth up front.
29. Los Angeles Kings- Vjateslav Voinov, D, Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Another 'Russia' player but this is the second pick for the Kings in the first round and with Steve Stamkos already picked to add to their already young stacked offense, the Kings need to add some depth to their blueline.
30. Detroit Red Wings- Luca Sbisa, D, Lethbridge (WHL)
The Red Wings blueline is awfully good right now but awfully old. The Red Wings have added a few defensive prospects in recent years and this will continue this year with the pick of Sbisa with the last pick in the draft.
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