New Bourque On The Block

There were times in Chicago while playing for the Blackhawks that Rene Bourque looked like he was about as gifted as former Pittsburgh Penguin fourth liner Phil Bourque.

Recently though the 27-year-old Flames winger has looked as dependable as former Boston Bruin great Ray Bourque, leading the team in points with 15.

On a team that's stars have struggled to find the back of the net worse than Danny Bonaduce has struggled to find an acting gig, Bourque has been a pleasent surprise to say the least.

There has been little not to like in number 17's game of late, besides being tremendous on the power-play he has been clutch on the penalty-kill as well.

Not to mention the fact he has rejuvenated veteran Daymond Langkow, who is playing like he did a couple years ago.

Bourque's play has finally given the Flames bonafied secondary scoring...er, if they can get the first line rolling that is.

The Flames have gone 3-4-1 of late, which may be realistic expectations on a club that is built around defence and a streaky goalie.

If Jarome Iginla, who is as a notorious slow-starter as an overweight city worker, can catch fire and Olli Jokinen can buy into Brent Sutter's system; then Calgary could challenge for the top of the Western Conference standings.

If not, then the Flames are as good as their current 8th place status.

Now the question arises...what to do with Bourque's pending free agent status?

As good as he has been, he doesn't have the numbers that Mike Cammalleri put up the past four seasons, and Flames fans are all too familiar on how that situation ended.

For now the Calgary Flames and their fans can take refuge in the fact they have Bourque and he has provided a spark on an otherwise average offense.

Really that's all any of us can do with the dark cloud that is the almighty salary cap that hangs over each and every NHL club these days.