It has been a generation since we have enjoyed this kind of exciting play from a Calgary Flames team.
I don’t think these heart attack kids have the kind of depth we had back in 1989 but the pure excitement that they generate more than makes up for that.
The youth movement starring Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau, Shane Monahan, and T.J. Brodie promise to keep this trend on track for seasons to come.
I was extremely impressed with the short stint Joni Ortio had between the pipes he looks like a top end goalie of the future as well. It is fantastic for fans when you have a third period record that consists of 10 comeback wins, 2 short of the NHL record I may add, that is great entertainment.
I attended the Pittsburgh Penguins game and although they were down 4-0 late in the third the fans stayed to watch. This doesn’t usually happen I have attended a lot of games in different arenas in the NHL, with a score of 4-0 the place would have been half-empty for most of the last period.
The Flames roster is also steeped with cagey veterans like Jiri Hudler, Mason Raymond, Dennis Wideman, and my favorite player captain Mark Giordano.
It has to be mentioned that Gio is leading all blueliners in the league in scoring another impressive point. In fact the Flames rear guards have a steep scoring punch with the likes of Brodie and Wideman as well.
These guys are obviously managing the dressing room and installing confidence throughout the ranks. Everyone seems to contribute even what we call the plumbers guys like Lance Bouma, Joe Colborne, and David Jones always seem to score when it is needed the most.
I have to say this team didn’t appear overnight and a lot of the talent is attributed to the work Jay Feaster did as general manager.
It is also very apparent that coach Bob Hartley has everyone buying into his system. He also seems to have a good way with his talent pool, managing personalities at the big league level is tricky business.
The West has been a tough place to play in the last few years lots of quality teams but the Flames have more than held their own. In fact, they hold the best intra divisional record in the Pacific, and almost the entire league except for those dynamic young Islanders who have an astonishing 17 of 19 in their respective division.
If the Flames can stay on track we will most assuredly be enjoying some playoff action.
Now comes the hard part, with a less than stellar record against the East we head on a long road trip thanks to the Tim Hortons Brier being played at the ’Dome this week.
The Flames will play teams like the Islanders, Rangers, Bruins, and Red Wings during the upcoming road trip.
Obviously none of these games will be a walk in the park, however if the heart attack kids can find a way to win a few close games they should weather the storm.
Most of us would prefer to be playing with the lead rather than doing the comeback bid night after night.
The boys understand this and are working on changing the way they come out of the gate.
The goaltending of Jonas Hiller has been nothing short of spectacular he keeps the Flames in games until the third period most nights.
I would like to see Joni Ortio come into back him up, however with the latest news it would seem his ankle injury could keep him out 6 weeks.
To me goaltender Karri Ramo has been one of the inconsistent parts of the picture with only one win since December I hope the GM Brad Treliving makes a move.
I will be sad to see Curtis Glencross go as he is a unrestricted free agent. He currently sits around 30th in all-time Flames scoring a pretty impressive considering all the talent that has passed through here over the years.
A lot of exciting things happening for our beloved Flames, and they are doing it without a raft of first overall draft picks, sorry Oiler fans couldn’t resist.
The next 10 days will likely lay out what chances we have to appear in Lord Stanley’s tournament. One thing is for sure we will all be on the edge of our seats as we watch.
