Calgary Flames Could Go All The Way

The Calgary Flames are a team that have many reasons to believe they can go deep into the playoffs. They are balanced and well disciplined, they have grit and finesse, and they have a coach who has won it all before. 

They finally have someone, Cammalleri, who can get enough points to match the ever steady Iggy. The way they have been playing makes me think they could exercise  the demons of 04 (that puck was in) and believe me, the sooner they do; the better. But do they have enough depth?

I don't think so. Not this year, but this is changing. The organization is working hard to cultivate new talent and draft smart. Flames fans can thank D.Sutts for that.

The player that is exceeding expectations would have to be David Moss. He had 11 pts last year. This year, before heading into the All-Star Game, he has 22.

The most disappointing Flame would have to be Matt Lombarts; granted he was hurt for a while, but I think that’s part of the disappointment. They need his speed in the lineup every night, especially in the new NHL, where speed and crashing the net are everything

I think the most memorable win would have to be tonight against the Sharks at the Pavilion. Calgary handed them their first loss at home this year. In the late stages of the game, Dion, Phaneuf from just inside the blue line, banked it off two players. It's good for the two points.

If the “Sea of Red” is allowed to celebrate with the Cup this year, I think you will be able to look back on tonight's win and say the guys really found that little bit of extra confidence needed to win down the stretch.

The most memorable loss?  Hands down, November 22, at home against D Town. They made the boys look in the mirror that night and they've only lost three games since.

My favorite goal was a few nights ago. Calgary was in St.Louis. It was 1-1 and Calgary worked it all the way around the horn to the side of the net, in a game where the Blues were in the Flames kitchen all night. When the puck was centered, the defenseman for the Blues had his stick lying on the ice pointing right at his net (kids, never do this!). 

The puck never made it to the intended target, rather it hit the stick and the goalie had no chance. The game ended 3-1 and the Flames found a way to win a game that the blues dictated until that point.

When it comes to coaching moves I think it's fun to watch how Mr. Keenan handles Kipper. For one thing he plays the heck out of him and pulls him, I believe, at all the right times. I just hope he doesn't tire him out. But I’m sure Kipper will get some rest down the stretch, that is, if he wants it.

The Flames have had a strong season to this point, but to win the Holy Grail simply being good is not enough. You have to want it more and every shift has to be played like it's your last because you never know ... it might just be.

Thoughts of Cory Sveistrup

Calgary AB.