Should Calgary Flames fans be worried?

By Derrick Newman

After starting the season with one win over the first four games, should Calgary Flames fans be worried?

Well, truth be told you probably should’ve been worried before the season even started, or perhaps should have just lowered your expectations.

I know what people are going to say now, “Here comes Newman with another cynical look at the Flames,” but really what’s there to be happy about?

Let’s find some positives, shall we?

Flames Ignited

Who the hell are these guys and what did they do with the Calgary Flames? You know who I’m talking about right? The team that finished 2nd last in goal scoring last season and was averaging less than two goals a game heading into Friday night -- yeah that would be them.


Well, something happened to change the tides and now the Flames are looking like world beaters every time they hit the ice.

This team has scored 10 goals in two games and outscored their opponents by four in both affairs. One reason for the surge in goal scoring has been that every line now seems to be creating chances.

Quick Hits

Heading into tonight’s game with the perennial bottom dwelling Florida Panthers, the Calgary Flames are faced with a few interesting decisions.


1. Which veteran defenceman will suit up in place of Adam Pardy: Sarich or Staios?

Well I have to believe Cory Sarich gets the nod here but I have been wrong before. I personally don’t like either option and would rather see Matt Pelech recalled but that is not going to happen just yet. Both Sarich and Staios are very similar in style. Sarich provides possibly steadier defence, while Staios might provide you with a little more offence, but either way both players are interchangeable and might I add very overpriced at this current juncture. With Kotalik eventually having to come off the LTIR, Sutter will have to make a move to free up cap space. One of these two d-men will be either waived/demoted or traded in the not too distant future.

2. Will Matt Stajan actually suit up?

With Bourque set to sit out the Panthers game, it would be a definite plus to have Matt Stajan back in the line-up to help fill the void left by Rene. Stajan was centering he second line with Hagman on the left and Morrison moved over to the wing. Morrison has played wing before so that’s not a huge switch for him and shouldn’t cause too many problems. On a related note I sure hope they move Morrison out and Backlund in when it comes to the powerplay. The unit has yet to score with a goaltender actually in the net, so adding some young creativity might actually help the situation. I know I have stated this time and time again but I’m just hoping that Brent Sutter might read this and he might realize that what he is doing is not working. You know, 1 for 12(really 0 for 11) is good and all but maybe you should try something different. Just saying, either way...

Those were my quick thoughts. Also check out my game summary of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen’s third win of the season here: http://exm.nr/cNqOlG

Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
 
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