Where do we put the dynamite?

by Bryan Wright

Following every Flames loss, the cries come on twitter, on radio call in shows and in newspaper columns, that it's time to 'blow it up.'  Never have the cries been louder than after last night's 9-0 loss to the Boston Bruins; a humiliating defeat that was the team's fifth in a row and ended a dismal seven game road trip.  My question is, what prey tell, is there to blow up?

In idea behind the 'blow it up' philosophy is that the current assets could be shed for some solid returns that would help the team improve in the future.  The only assets the Flames have right now, are Miikka Kiprusoff and Jarome Iginla.  If the Flames traded Iginla, they'd have a crappy team without any leader, without any heart and without any identity.  If the Flames traded Kiprusoff, they'd be a crappy team without a goalie.  So, the return needs to be a substantial one.

#18 and #19 - St Pete Times Forum and BankAtlantic Center

My mission is to see the Flames play in all 30 NHL arenas, a mission that began in October of 2005 while at a local pub watching the Flames take on the Oilers. With the previous season’s work stoppage, and the season before’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals, Flames tickets had become a very hard item to come by. I was then struck with the idea of combining two of my favourite activities; watching hockey and travelling. You can follow my quest to visit all 30 arenas right here…

December 15, 2011 - Tampa Bay, FL

My first game in the Sunshine State got off to a rough start when there were problems with our flights.  To make a long story short, we flew to Tampa from Calgary, via Vancouver and Ottawa, before touching down at 8:40PM the night of the game.  Yes, puck drop was at 7:30, so this was a bit of a problem.

After running through the terminal Amazing Race-style to the taxi stand, we were lucky enough to get Ray as our cabbie.  After telling him we were in a bit of a hurry, Ray put petal to metal, and made the 12 mile journey from the airport to our hotel in under ten minutes.  It was an impressive bit of driving, and allowed us to make it to the arena in Tampa for the start of the third period.

Words cannot describe how foul
this jersey really is.
- Flames/Lightning
15 Dec 2011

This marks the latest I've ever arrived for a game, and yes it's quite shameful, but it was better than not making the trip at all.  But, it also means I can't really comment too much on the game or the arena.  Situated right on the water in downtown Tampa, the arena itself is quite impressive.  It's big, it's nice, and for the most part, full of hockey fans.  I was quite surprised by the crowd, as I was expecting more of a Phoenix-style audience; an arena filled with people who are at the game because it's something to do, not because they love hockey.  Instead, Tampa fans seemed to be quite knowledgeable, they wore Lightning jerseys and made for a good crowd.  There is an exception however...as we saw the biggest jersey foul to date, a Lightning jersey with 'Gretzky' on the back.  Foul!

Our seats were behind the net in the Flames attack end, and we were able to see two goals in the third, as the Flames fought back to tie it up, before surrendering a goal 30 seconds into overtime.  After the game, basking in the warmth of the Florida night, we headed to a nearby pub fittingly named 'Hattrick's', which served ice-cold buckets of beer and heaping plates of nachos.

It was then back to the hotel for a quick sleep before driving to Ft Lauderdale...



St Pete Times Forum Fast Facts

Seats: Section 124; $38, Stubhub
Score: Flames 4, Lightning 5 (OT)
Arena Rating: 7.0
Unique Concession: Giant, Flintstone-style turkey drumstick
Souvenir Stick: Lightning, wooden
Public Transit: unknown
Unique Arena Trait: Lightning machines to mark goals
Swag: None


December 16, 2011 - Sunrise, FL

After a longer than expected drive down Alligator Alley through the Florida Everglades, we arrived at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL, plenty of time before puck drop.  The arena itself isn't too bad, but the location is absolutely horrible.  Right on the edge of the Everglades, the BankAtlantic Center sits amongst a sea of strip malls. far away from...everything.  Our hotel was a $50 cab ride away, and public transit simply doesn't exist.  The arena is surrounded by parking lots and there isn't a single bar or restaurant in sight.  It really doesn't create a very fun atmosphere, and makes it difficult to make an evening of going to the game.  It makes me thankful the Dome is where it is, and hopeful a new arena in Calgary is never built near Balzac.

Because of the inconvenience, I wonder what the arena's location does to Panthers crowds.  People think of it as being Miami's team, but the arena is 50 or 60 miles from Miami.  It's even 20 miles from Ft. Lauderdale.  I wonder how much a downtown location, like Tampa's, would do to make Panthers crowds a little stronger.  I suppose they could also play better hockey, as they've missed the playoffs ten years in a row.

Our seats, at the bargain basement price of $20, were in row 9 of the lower bowl, in the Flames attack end, to Theodore's left.  Despite being a relatively new arena, the seats, at least in the lower bowl, are packed so tight I was unable to sit without spreading my legs, lest my knees bang against the seat in front of me.  Perhaps people in Florida are shorter, but I doubt it.  They were just uncomfortable seats.

The concourses at the BankAtlantic Center are pretty standard, carpeted in places, with the same concession options repeated every few sections.  Very disappointing to say the least.  However, the nice thing is, as is the case with many 'non-traditional' markets, there aren't any line ups!  The adage that the Saddledome spills more beer than arena X, has never been more true.  There also aren't any line ups at the bathroom.  The men's room near our section, with only eight urinals, would have a forty minute line up in the Dome; here it was 'free-flow'.  Adding to the lack of lines, was a shelf to place your beer above each urinal.  Brilliant.  This should be standard at every sporting venue.

One of the great things about attending games in a warm climate like Florida, is wearing shorts and flip flops to the game.  However, this makes it a bit chilly during the game.  Fortunately, there are patios everywhere, so you can go outside and warm up during the intermission.  Such an odd concept for a hockey game.

Following the Flames loss in a shootout, we headed to the Dania Beach Fronton, home to Jai Alai, a game that combines gambling, beer and a ball that travels 200MPH.  Unique to Florida, Jai Alai could be one of the most fun things I've ever attended, and we were only there for an hour.  I could see myself traveling to Florida, just to watch more Jai Alai; it was that awesome.

BankAtlantic Center Fast Facts

Seats: Section 115; stubhub $20 
Score: Flames 2, Panthers 3 (SO)
Arena Rating: 6.2
Unique Concession: Cuban sandwiches
Souvenir Stick: Panthers, wooden
Public Transit: None
Unique Arena Trait: Beer shelves above urinals
Swag: Red Panthers towels

The trip was a quick one and saw the Flames only manage two points, but I can now say I've been to Florida, visited two new arenas, and had a lot of fun. Now to figure out where the next road trip will take me!

-TheRev

Jersey Fouls!
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Preview of Road Trip XVI

After over a year, my mission of seeing the Flames play in every NHL arena continues this week, with a short sojurn to the Sunshine State, Florida.  The timing couldn't be better, as it's always nice to visit somewhere warm in the middle of a Calgary December.  The current forecast calls for temperatures int he mid-20's, meaning I'll be wearing my flippy-floppies to the hockey arena.  Tomorrow night, it will be a rematch of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, with a Flames-Lightning tilt at the St. Pete Times Forum, followed by a game against the Panthers on Friday night, in Sunrise.

I've actually never visited Florida, despite having been to 44 other states, so I'm pretty excited to be scratching another off the list, but of course it's the two hockey games that are the most important and visiting my 18th and 19th NHL arenas.

This will mark the first time Newman is joining us on the road!  While he made the trip to Edmonton a few years ago, he's never been along for a Flames game South of the border.  I forecast sun, beer, and hockey.  Plus a little Jai Alai.

You can follow Road Trip XVI thw following ways:

1. On TSR @ the Flames Road Trips page

2. Updates on

3. Progress on The Map

4. Photos on Flickr

-TheRev


Keep an eye out for some Florida Jersey Fouls!
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What's Happening in the Press Box?

by Bryan Wright

There is a new trend in hockey broadcasts that really, really bothers me.  One that makes my blood boil.  It bothers me for several reasons, but mostly because I can’t figure out the reason it is done.  I’m talking about when a broadcast shows the GM after a goal.  This seems to be a pointless camera shot meant to…well to…well that’s the problem, I don’t understand why this is done.

Don't pay for the whole seat,
you'll only need the edge!!

If my memory serves me correctly, this trend really took off when Brian Burke became the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The team was terrible and Burke had a reputation for being a curmudgeon; a combination that meant the Leafs would surrender a lot of goals causing Burke to blow his top.  Of course the only thing that we ever saw was Burke sitting in his press box, hands folded in front of his face, grimacing.  Great stuff!  It quickly expanded to include times when the Leafs scored, as if we might get to see Burke jumping out of his seat, high-fiving the people around him and maybe even shaking his hand at the camera, yelling ‘we’re number one!!’

No Afternoon Delight: Flames lose second straight

By Derrick Newman

Well, that was an exciting Saturday afternoon of hockey at the Saddledome.

Anyone who actually paid for tickets should be forming a line at the box office demanding their money back for that snoozefest.

Now, to be fair, this was in the cards from the beginning given the odd time of the game (2pm), which usually means players rhythms are thrown off forcing them to come out either slow, disjointed, lethargic, or all of the above.

Also, the Flames were playing the Nashville Predators, who possess no enigmatic scorers on their team and work as a team defensively to lull you into a dreary slumber and subsequently take advantage of a lucky bounce – the first goal they scored off Niklas Bergfors shoulder—and then pounce on one of only legitimate scoring opportunities all game to put the nail in the coffin and the fans fleeing for the exits in disgust.

It wasn’t pretty.

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 downed in Opener

By Derrick Newman

Watching the Flames home opener last night, you couldn’t helped be filled with a little bit of optimism heading into a brand new season where anything is possible and dreams of a playoff berth seem realistic.

After one period, everything looked great. The Flames were up 1-0 on the Penguins, despite being outshot 9-4.

Then it all went downhill – fast.

Four goals in the span of just over 11 minutes and the Flames were left wondering which way is up.

When you produce only nine shots through two periods, you don’t really deserve to be in the game anyways.

The Penguins are simply a better hockey team, and it was clearly evident last night. Even without the best hockey player in the planet on their roster, they picked apart the Flames like they were an AHL team.

Last night was simply a display of a cup contender taking on a fringe playoff team and the drastic difference between the two.

The Flames looked decent for a about five minutes of the opening period, but then came off that high very quickly and back down to harsh reality.

Sure the Flames made a valiant last ditch effort to get back in the game, but how eerily familiar was that to so many games last season?

You can say what you want about this being the first game of the season and not to worry just yet, but this was just a prime example of how far removed the Flames are from being an elite team in this league.

\Side Note: I read in Eric Francis’ column on Thursday or Friday that Brent Sutter is “one of the best most accomplished coaches in the league.” Please explain to me how a guy who has never made it out of the first round of the playoffs as a coach and missed the playoffs in back-to-back years is considered an “accomplished coach.” Sure, he has accolade for his achievements in junior, but that doesn’t always translate. Don Hay is a great junior coach, but failed miserably at the pro level. I just don’t understand why Sutter gets all this praise for being this amazing coach, yet all he’s done is lead the Flames to back-to-back early golf seasons.

Check out the latest Jersey Fouls! from last night's game HERE!
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Roman Empire: Horak looks to stick with the Flames

By Derrick Newman

Roman Horak is quickly allowing Calgary Flames fans to forget about Tim Erixon.

Horak, who came over from the New York Rangers for the highly touted Erixon, has been 2011’s version of TJ Brodie – in other words a rookie who has surprised everyone by sticking around in the big city.

With today’s demotions of both Paul Byron and Lance Bouma, it seems almost a given that Horak will make his NHL debut next Saturday against the Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins.

Beer and Hockey

Well hockey has returned to the Saddledome with last night’s pre-season tilt between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.  What can I really say about the game?  While brochures handed out at the entrance proclaim that ‘every game matters’ we all know that may be true, with the exception of the pre-season games, which don’t matter at all.

The fact that these games don’t matter is quite apparent too, as there is an obvious lack of intensity from players, coaches, media and fans.  It just isn’t the same.  Having said that, I always enjoy going to the first pre-season game, as it’s a chance to get back into the Dome, and get back into the swing of watching the Flames play on a regular basis.

I can’t really comment much on the game last night.  Some will say there are players ‘fighting for jobs,’ but really, are there?  There are maybe two players, maybe, that have a chance of ‘cracking the lineup.’  This team is pretty much set.  And I definitely couldn’t comment on the Canucks, who were fielding a team that wouldn’t even hold water in the AHL.  I mean, they had Anders Eriksson in their line up.  Anders Eriksson!  I guess Andrei Zyuzin was busy.  As with any pre-season game, I didn’t head into this one with any kind of expectation of seeing some great hockey.  But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t disappointed.

Earlier this month, or maybe it was in August, there was a new partnership announced between the Flames and Budweiser.  Waking up early that day to watch the press conference live (okay, I watched it on-line a week later), I listened with excitement as things like the first ‘beeriod’ were announced, as a chance to elevate the fan experience.  And most importantly, it was announced there would be bottom pour technology at the Dome (this was on the tarmac during Stampede if you aren’t familiar).

I didn’t see the first beeriod last night.  And while I did see one bottom pour station on the main concourse, I expected to see them everywhere.  Disappointment isn’t a big enough word for what I felt last night.

Now maybe it was only a pre-season game, and the technology will be installed everywhere by the home opener, and maybe the first beeriod will be ready to go.  It better, or there I will have been let down, by beer.  Something I never thought would ever  happen.

-TheRev


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Iggy Iggy Iggy!

Sure, the Flames may be done for the season. While still alive mathematically, their 'magic number' is down to 3, meaning that any combination of points won by the Blackhawks and missed points by the Flames totalling three, and they're out.  And with the Blackhawks having five games left, it seems likely they'll be able to secure those points.

But that doesn't mean there isn't a reason to watch the Flames play.  Last night was the Jarome Iginla show, as the Captain scored two goals and an assist, and more impressively, recorded his 1,000th career NHL point.  With a vintage Iggy goal, number 12 was able to pot his 39th of the season from the top of the circle on a break away.

I'm glad team management decided not to follow the suggestion of many fans in December and January, those fans who felt Iginla should be traded because his best days were behind him.  True, he'll probably never score 50 again, but as he's currently 4th in goals, and 6th in scoring, it's clear he's still on of the league's top offensive threats.

Had Iginla been traded, the team might have been able to secure a high draft pick, or perhaps a couple of fine prospects, but we wouldn't have been watching a team flirt with the playoff these past three months; we'd have been watching a team like the Colorado Avalanche, or worse, like the Edmonton Oilers.  Teams in free fall, hoping there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The 'heart and soul' of the team, Iginla is without a doubt the major reason the Flames have even a sniff of a playoff spot right now, and one of the few reasons anybody is still watching this team with any interest.  I'm glad he's still apart of the Calgary Flames, I'm glad I was able to see him score his 1,000th point in a Flames jersey, and I'm hopeful the situation will be unchanged next year.  That way I'll be able to see him score his 500th goal, hopefully in the Dome, again in a Flames jersey.
-TheRev

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Flames are Cooked

And that’s that.

A two and a half month stretch of some impressive hockey collapses like a loosely formed house of cards in a matter of two weeks. As a result, the Calgary Flames will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Despite going 16-5-1 from mid January to mid March, the Flames will be hitting the links and not the ice come April 13th.
Last nights game just further intensified the disappointing sensation that was emanating through Flames nation over the past week. A disallowed goal that from every conceivable angle was actually in the net was the final straw. The ‘non-goal’ allowed the Ducks an opening and they quickly took a two-goal lead and all but drove the final nail into the Flames coffin.

Podcast March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011







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Iceberg, Right Ahead!

HMCS Calgary Flames?

If the Calgary Flames were a ship, they'd be taking on a lot of water right now; and there might not be enough buckets to keep this one from going down. After last night's overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the Flames find themselves in 10th place in the Western Conference, one point back of both 9th place Dallas and 8th place Anaheim.

There are some positives for the Flames as they make their final push however. First and foremost, it is still possible to make the playoffs. If they are able to win six of their remaining eight games, they'll finish with 96 points. That should be enough to make the spring dance. Helping them out, is the "easiest" schedule of any contending team in the West, meaning they play a few games against the basement teams (Edmonton, Colorado, etc.). Also helping them out is the doubt that is most likely rampant amongst fans, pundits and opponents. I say this is a positive, as the Flames have seemed to thrive this season when the chips were down. In December, nobody thought they'd have even a remote chance of making the playoffs and they went on a pretty decent run. Perhaps their most recent set back can be another springboard to take the team to the next level and finish the season on a good run.

Podcast March 11, 2011

Today TSR talks about the Flames, Tiger Woods' chances of beating Jack's majors record and the end of Mike Weir's career.




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Sea of Tranquility on Deadline Day

So the trade deadline has come and gone and nothing much happened.  Some will say the Flames didn't do enough to bolster their lineup, some will say they didn't shed enough assets to start the rebuilding process.  Myself, I found it kind of comforting that nothing much happened.  After all, the team's been playing quite well the past two months, and I didn't really see any reason to change things.

Looking back, I remember thinking in November, or rather fearing in November, massive changes to the team.  It wasn't so much the fact that there might be changes, instead it was who would be making those changes.  I am, of course, talking about Darryl Sutter.

Last year's bizarre trades had me fearing for the Flames.  If Sutter was still in charge, I shudder to think what crazy moves he might have pulled off, like sending Dustin Boyd to Nashville for a fourth round pick, or Aaron Johnson and a pick to Edmonton for Steve freakin' Staois.  But with Jay Feaster at the helm, there wasn't any fear of that.

Flames Bear Down, but Lose

I wasn't bored Tuesday night.

I watched the Bruins/Flames game and I wasn't bored.  Despite being 1-0 for almost 45 minutes, it was an exciting hockey game.  Some I've talked to disagreed with that, saying "the Bruins played the trap for 59 minutes."  While I appreciate other fans perspective, I think I'll stick with my statement.

The Flames played well.  Yes, they were sluggish in the first period, but they moved the puck well, despite having to constantly regroup because of the Bruins' quality positional play.  The Flames managed 29 shots on net, they went 1 for 2 on the power play, and they killed off the only penalty against them, a double minor to Glencross.  Nic Hagman, after being waived the day before, was everywhere (in a good way) and even Steve Staois was getting in on the rush.  They had several scoring chances in the first 40 minutes, and Boston's first two goals both came on errors; one on a line change and the other running around after not being able to get it out when they had the chance.

Classic Indeed

The day Flames fans had been eagerly awaiting all year has now come and gone.  Sunday, playing in rather chilly conditions, the Flames were able to beat the Canadiens 4-0 in the Heritage Classic at McMahon Stadium.

First and foremost, the win got the Flames a big two points, and they now find themselves tied with the Nashville Predators for fifth place in the Western Conference.  I think the result speaks volumes for the Flames and how much this team has changed in the past two months.  It would have been very easy to get lost in all the hoopla that goes with playing in an outdoor game.  With all the off ice activities and the extra attention the games was receiving, it would have been east to get distracted and lose focus, forgetting that this game counts as much in the standings as 81 others on the schedule this year.  The team deserves full credit for playing a good game, dominating parts of it, and in the end getting a shutout and a victory.

The Heritage Classic is Here!

The day has finally arrived; Christmas in February for Flames fans. Today is the day of the Heritage Classic. The opportunity to watch the Flames play outdoors, at McMahon Stadium is a once in a lifetime event.

But really what’s so special about watching this Flames game? Yes, it’s outdoors, but that only means it’ll be much colder than the climate-controlled confines of the Saddledome. The stadium itself isn’t anything special. First off, I’ve seen many a Stamps game there; secondly, McMahon is kind of a dump. The opponent isn’t especially riveting. Sure, the Flames played them in the Cup finals twice, but that was over twenty years ago. Today, the Habs are simply a team we rarely see, save a home and home each year. There aren’t any head to head battles for a playoff spot, and let’s be honest, the game would be more exciting if it were between the Flames and Canucks or Oilers. Then why the hell am I so excited to see this game!?

To be perfectly honest, I’m not really sure. I might just be looking forward to almost every aspect of today. I can’t wait to arrive at the stadium several hours before puck drop to see the hoopla and spectacle that the NHL has created in an effort to separate me from my money. I can’t wait to tailgate in -15C weather, sharing beers with perfect strangers. I can’t wait to see what McMahon stadium looks like with an ice rink. Sure, I’ve seen the photos and the webcam, but seeing it live is totally different. I can’t wait to see the Flames play a game in their ‘new’ uniforms. And perhaps most important to me, I can’t wait to see the Flames play in another venue.

It isn’t one of the league’s 30 home arenas, but McMahon Stadium will be the 18th different venue I’ve seen the hometown heroes play in, and of course I’m always happy to add to my total. Of course, unlike the other arenas, the Flames won’t be returning to this one anytime soon. This truly is a once in a lifetime event. For the next few decades, when people talk about the outdoor game at McMahon, I’ll always be able to say, “I was at that game…”


Don’t forget to dress warm, pack your flask, and cheer loudly, it should be a helluva hockey game!


-TheRev


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Calgary Flames Finally Win in ATL

Rack’em up. Wins, that is.


It’s what the Calgary Flames continue to do.

Despite never winning in Atlanta before tonight, the Flames pulled off their second straight comeback win and won their sixth in a row for the first time since 2008.

They are currently (as I type this) tied for the final playoff spot. Depending on what plays out in the Colorado Minnesota game, they will either sit one point back of 8th or be tied for the spot.

Tied for a playoff spot on February 3rd! You must be joking!

Why I Don't Like the Leafs

Like most Flames fans, I’m eager to see the hometown heroes play the Leafs in Toronto tonight. These games are always special for me, because I loathe the opposition so much.  I wouldn’t say I hate the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that’s because hate isn’t a strong enough word. I dislike them so much, German is likely the only language with strong enough words to properly express my feelings. But then I got thinking this morning about why I despise them so much.