NHL Season Preview: Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames



Last Season's standings: record- 46-25-11 for 103 points. The Flames took 1st place in the Northwest Divsion last season and 3rd in the Western Conference.

In: Alex Tanguay F (via trade w/ Colorado Avalanche); Andrei Zyuzin D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Jeff Freisen F (prev. team: Anaheim Ducks); Jamie McLennan G (prev. team: Florida Panthers); Brad Ference D (prev. team: New Jersey Devils); Eric Godard F (prev. team: NY Islanders); Matthew Lombardi F

Out: Jordon Leopold D (via trade w/ Colorado Avalanche); Shean Donovan F (new team: Boston Bruins); Chris Simon F (new team: NY Islanders); Craig McDonald F

Season Outlook: good. The Flames had a pretty strong regular season last year and faltered in the playoffs. They got stronger in the off-season by acquiring Alex Tanguay who has developed into a proven scorer who should rack up a lot of points playing alongside Iginla. They also added Freisen to the mix to help w/ scoring. On the blueline, the Flames got deeper with the signings of Ference and Zyuzin. Scoring could be a challenge this year as outside the 2nd line, the Flames face a problem in depth. Kiprusoff needs to be more consistent if the Flames are to go anywhere this season.

Season Prediction: The Flames will top the Nprthwest Division and take the 3rd Playoff Spot in the Western Conference.