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| Courtesy: AP |
Winners of their last two games, and four of their last five under the Dome, the Flames climbed to within six points of 8th spot in the western conference. Let’s just ignore the fact that the Flames have played more games than pretty well everyone else in the conference save the Ducks.
Olli Jokinen has six goals in his last nine forcing most people to hide their distaste for the Finnish centerman. He’s playing how he should be playing, and that’s what the Flames him to do. Let’s hope he keeps it up.
Jarome Iginla has points in 13 of his last 14 contests – six goals and ten assists. He looks good and as was evident in that fight against Jamie Benn in Dallas last Thursday, he is doing everything in his power to will this team to victory.
Mikael Backlund sat out his fourth game in a row. This is something I am not pleased with. Why? Because he had one bad game against the Wild? Because he is young and still learning? Why keep him here if he isn’t going to play? Here is my major issue with the way Darryl/Brent choose to run their team. They would rather play a 31 year journeyman in Tom Kostopolous, a dime a dozen player, instead of giving Backlund a chance. They would rather play 37 year old Brendan Morrison then give a 21 year old Backlund a chance. Morrison is a plug at this point in his career. Yes he had a great start, but a plug he will always be. Don’t get me started on why we signed him in the first place. Just clogs up the roster and cap even more than it already was and stunts the growth of younger players as is evident with Backlund right now. Back to MB. Sit him for a couple games to let him know how it feels, but at what point is enough enough? What’s he gaining by sitting in the press box? Wise anecdotes from Conroy on how to deal with the media?
It’s the age old problem with this team. They rely on the veterans and NEVER give the young guys a legitimate shot. It’s happened to countless talented players that have flown in and out of this franchise and I fear that it will happen with Backlund if the Flames are not careful.
It’s a legitimate concern, and should be addressed.
The Flames have a chance to string some wins together which is exactly what they need. With Colorado on NYE and the cellar dwelling Oilers and Islanders to follow, the Flames have that window to jump back into contention.
The question I pose to YOU, the fans, is would you rather see them win five or six in a row and give us hope that this team might make the playoffs? Or would you rather see them lose five straight and light that stick of dynamite?
I’m a fan, so I never want to cheer for my team to lose. You always hope that by some faint miracle something impossible might happen. It’s why we watch in the first place – to witness something amazing.
But hope is horrible thing my friends...a horrible horrible thing.
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
thesportsroundup@gmail.com
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