FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Flames Sign Roman Cervenka from KHL to Add Depth at Center

Ro — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:27:57 +0000

There were few rumors that picked up on this transaction before it happened. Last week the Flames added depth down the middle for relatively little risk. Sure, Flames fans were scoffing at the 3.7 million price tag of an unproven European hockey player, but that contract is incentive laden. I for one know nothing about Cervenka, know he played one good playoff series in the KHL, and looked better when playing with the likes of Jaromir Jagr last season.

Think about this. Name one KHL player who's come over to the NHL and performed well? I can't think of one. Radulov and Jagr don't count because they were NHLers before. But the ball is in Cervenka's court while the Flames assume little risk. That should bode well for fans questioning the salary. Here's Eric Francis on the deal.

The Calgary Sun has obtained his contract information and his $832,500 base salary also comes with a $92,500 signing bonus on a two-way deal that would see him get $70,000 in the minors (where the cap-hit would be buried). His A bonuses could amount to $850,000 as he gets $212,500 for each below to a maximum of four: Top six icetime on team (minimum 42 games), scores 20 goals, 60 points, top three forwards plus/minus, 35 assists, points per game of .73, voted NHL all-rookie team, all-star game appearance, MVP of all-star game. His B bonus would earn him $2 million maximum for any one of: Wins Hart, Richard, Selke or Conn Smythe Trophy, end-of-season first or second all-star team, top 10 NHL forwards in goals, assists, points or powerplay goals. If he is a total bust, he can be sent to the AHL or KHL without penalty...source

Flames Sign Roman Cervenka from KHL to Add Depth at Center is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Sutter Let Go: Changes Abound as Season Closes

Ro — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:24:56 +0000

Once Sutter's contract ends at the end of June the Calgary Flames and coach Sutter will part ways. This paves the way for a new ethos in the organization. Now, this is merely the first step of many to revive the club. Fact remains that there have been a few coaches coming thru, many with similar styles, and none of faired better than Mike Keenan....

More analysis of the upcoming changes to the club to come.

Dave Lowry, it was announced, will also not be back. No word on associate coach Hartsburg.

Sutter Let Go: Changes Abound as Season Closes is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Season Closes With Win: Calgary 5 – Anaheim 2

Ro — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:59:42 +0000

Well the Flames ended the season with two wins, but overall it's one of the worst in recent memory. Calgary chalked up a measly 90 points good for 10th (or 9th) in the Western Conference.

There were a few bright spots throughout the year, we'll cover that in a post-season article. For the most part it was biter disappointment that should lead to some of the most turnover in the lineup during the off season in some time.

This afternoon's tilt was boring for all the normal reasons. Two teams playing for no purpose, afternoon game, everyone looking for a quick exit.

Akim Aliu obviously had different ideas.

Playing in his second game since being called up from the AHL, Aliu was auditioning for next season. With something to prove he had a bit of jump into his step. He threw some big hits in the first to liven everyone up, drew a few penalties, and oh by the way, scored not his first, but two goals to hel pthe Flames to victory.

I do'nt think Akim is anything more than a forth line energy player, but it's nice to see him along with some of the other call ups show some enthusiasm in the ancient Flames line up.

Karlsson got his first win since January of 2011 as he closed out the season in goal. Will be interesting to see where he lines up next year.

Calgary gave the local fans something to cheer about, leaving the season off with a slightly better than bitter taste in the mouth, at least for the immediate short term (as in this Saturday).

What happens from here on in, well it's anybody's guess and it seems everyone's open to anything no matter how drastic.

Thanks for the subpar season Flames. I mean that with all sincerity.

Season Closes With Win: Calgary 5 – Anaheim 2 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Another Atrocious CBC Game: Calgary 2 – Vancouver 3

Ro — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:40:02 +0000

Just two thoughts after yet another loss from the Flames.

1. I didn't think Karlsson was that bad. Despite the horrid commentary on him he was decent. The only issue was, Leland Irving is decent too. I was hoping Karlsson would steal the game and prove his worth, but I'm slowly coming out of his camp.

2. What a disgusting display of play by play and color commentary from CBC. Mark Kelly is garbage, but both he and the color man have a love affair with Vancouver. If you love Luongo so much just marry the dude! It's times like this I'm happy that the Conservative government wants to pull CBC funding. Just plain pathetic coverage through and through.

Oh yea, Flames suck too.

Another Atrocious CBC Game: Calgary 2 – Vancouver 3 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Flames Gift Wrapped Win: Calgary 5 – Dallas

Ro — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:05:49 +0000

Back and forth they went with the Flames finally hanging on for the win with PP goals, weak goals against, and everything in between. 5 games left, 3 points out, chances are slim. Do you still have hope? I'm off the wagon.... Heck, i had free tickets to go to the game and turned them down.

Flames Gift Wrapped Win: Calgary 5 – Dallas is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Nope. Calgary 1 – Dallas 4

Ro — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:19:36 +0000

Even at their best the Flames can't compete. They threw everything they had at Dallas and fell short. That should be indicative to management that when everyone is playing at their 'best' this team is and 11th place team. Changes? Never. So long as Flames fans continue buying tickets to watch this team and the owners make money, there's no huge changes coming down the pipe. Next year we may have a new face or two, but largely status quo. Hooray. < -- Sarcasm.

Nope. Calgary 1 – Dallas 4 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Garbage. Flames 2 – Minnesota 3 (SO)

Ro — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:13:26 +0000

Flames should be embarrassed. Stay on the road boys, nobody wants you back here.

Seems Sutter gave up too. We know the top players are dragging their feet (less Kipper, who I blame whole heartedly for no rebuild because of his stellar play). Sutter played the 3-4th lines in the shootouts, wow.

But who cares. This season is done. Go outside and ride your bike. Get away from the lousy Flames and pre yourself for the Stamps. Way to fold the tent even before the season was done.

Garbage. Flames 2 – Minnesota 3 (SO) is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Put a Fork in it, they’re done. Calgary 1 – Colorado 2 (OT)

Ro — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:55:52 +0000

When it matters most the Flames folded the tent. From top to bottom, at crunch time, the tema can't compete. Blame Miikka Kiprusoff for putting the Flames in the current position. He plays so well that the team looks better than they really are.

Sure, we can blame injuries, and let's face it, that's a huge reason why this team can't compete. But it's plain and simple, if nobody scores you don't win. When you don't beat the worst teams in the NHL you don't win. Simple hockey.

Flames' only hope is to run the tables now, and we know that won't happen. Better luck next year fans.... SHould be a better season IMO. Things look bright.

Put a Fork in it, they’re done. Calgary 1 – Colorado 2 (OT) is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Weak Effort in Must Win: Calgary 1 – Columbus 2 (SO)

Ro — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:52:03 +0000

For some reason this season was one where Calgary COULDN"T beat teams at the bottom of the standings if their lives depended on it. Tonight it did and they put in a weak effort. Losing to Edmonton, one of the worst in the NHL, that hurt. What hurt more was the effort. Completely lacking in the third period. Tonight, against an EVEN WORSE team they put in the same effort, couldn't score, and lost a MUST WIN game.

I said the Flames can only lose 2 more and make the post season. In reality, it's over, you can't beat Edmonton and Columbus back to back?!?!?! Try again next year Shames.

Weak Effort in Must Win: Calgary 1 – Columbus 2 (SO) is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Flames Fail Against Sad Oilers: Edmonton 3 – Calgary 1

Ro — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:06:03 +0000

The Flames can ill afford to drop points against 'NHL' hockey clubs like the sad Edmonton Oilers. The Flames have to play better than .700 (3 losses) in the remaining eleven games if they have any hope on making the playoffs.....what they can't do it drop the games against sub.500 teams. Expect major changes to the lineup after this loss. FRom netminder (no more Leland Irving please, he's subpar) to forward ranks, the Flames will get a much needed shake up and hopefully some help in the secondary scoring category.

A MUST win against another junky team Sunday vs. the Blue Jackets. Better make it two points boys or.... well, no point beating a dead horse.

Flames Fail Against Sad Oilers: Edmonton 3 – Calgary 1 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News