TEAM PREVIEWS: THE CALGARY FLAMES

Introduction:

Continuing the sprint to the finish line, lets turn our gaze on a team that should have been so much better then it was last season. This is a team that has a franchise forward, defenseman and goaltender... and still struggled to get the 8 seed last year. They are tight both defensively and offensively... so what is the problem?

Put simply, depth, and the interest of Mikka Kipprusoff. Before the lockout this team made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Since then it has seen a first round exit the last three years. Will there be a turnaround this season? I wouldn't count on it.

Key Departures:
Kristian Huselius
Alex Tanguay

Huselius really came alive on this team. Unfortunately for him, and for the team's depth at forward, he got on the wrong side of Herr... er I mean Coach Mike Keenan.

Tanguay, on the other hand, never really played up to his potential for this squad. As a playmaker Tanguay has yet to show that he can set up anyone other then Joe Sakic. I think Huselius was the bigger loss here.

New Faces:
Mike Cammalleri
Todd Bertuzzi

I think Cammalleri is going to turn out to be a huge acquisition for the flames. He is better then either of the big forwards that they lost and perhaps better then both of them combined. I suppose we'll see but I expect his interaction with Iginla to be pretty magical.

Bertuzzi on the other hand is now one team closer to playing on the last team he'll play for. He's running out of second chances and its safe to say that if Todd doesn't rediscover his magic this year he'll have officially used his last get out of hockey hell free card.

The Offense:
You've got one really good line here, but the departure of Huselius means that the depth doesn't extend past line 1. Bertuzzi is too old to be a catalyst on a second line, and most of the other forwards have yet to show that they can step up and own a game. Its going to be a long wait between shifts of the Iginla line.

You Want to Draft:
Jarome Iginla
Mike Cammalleri
Daymond Langkow

One of the best players in the game, Iginla finally shaked off the streakiness that had plagued his earlier career by posting a second consecutive 90 point season. Jarome is simply one of the best players in the game and should be the first RW off the board in any format.
FACT: Iginla's full name is Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla.

Cammalleri has been asked to do a lot in his young career. As one of the only real standout players with the Los Angeles Kings Cammalleri performed admirably, scoring 80 points in the 2006-2007 season. He had a slow start last season and never really recovered from a rib injury he suffered in December. Cammalleri will get a fresh start in Calgary. In my opinion, if he plays on Iginla's line he and the Captain will find themselves with the best linemates they have yet had in their respective careers.
FACT: Cammalleri played in the AHL during the lockout and amassed 109 points in 79 games, tying with Jason Spezza for the AHL scoring title.

Langkow is Iginla's center, and he has flourished in that role. Until he loses that spot he is a good pick on any fantasy team.
FACT: Langkow has finished with 50 or more points every season since 1999-2000, but never cracked 65 until he was centering Iginla. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes Jarome breakfast and does his gardening.

You Want to Keep an Eye On:
Todd Bertuzzi

Particularly if he's behind you. Sorry. Too soon? Just as this is Todd's last real chance in the NHL so it is his last chance from me. If Bertuzzi doesn't crack 60 points this year I'm done thinking about him. Because his PIM have never slowed down, and they never will so long as the name Bertuzzi is still on the back of his jersey, he is an interesting pick, but don't overvalue him.
FACT: Bertuzzi DID have 40 points in 68 games last season while amassing 97 PIM. Triple digit PIM and low 50's scoring is not out of sight.

The Defense:
Dion Phaneuf is the number 1 fantasy d-man in the NHL and behind only Nicklas Lidstrom for value to his real life club. Beyond that though...

You Want to Draft:
Dion Phaneuf
Adrian Aucoin

Phaneuf is a top two round pick in most leagues, and should be the first d-man off the board because of his excellence in all categories. I think its optimistic to expect another 180 PIM season, but the triple digits are nearly guaranteed.
FACT: Dating Elisha Cuthbert. Doesn't that just make him your personal hero? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE5qKw7tR_E

Aucoin has slightly less of a heroic taste in women, and is nowhere near as valuable as his blue line counterpart, but he had a nice comeback season last year. There are very few other options on the powerplay so ...
FACT: He's a good fourth or fifth d-man. His career high is 44 points and he doesn't do much else for you besides play on the powerplay. Don't get too excited, but don't lose track of him either.

The Powerplay:
Jarome Iginla
Michael Cammalleri
Daymond Langkow
Dion Phaneuf
Adrian Aucoin

I think this is where the acquisition of Cammalleri will really prove its worth. Cammalleri is sneaky on the powerplay and has a habit of getting lost in traffic and popping up in the perfect spot for a scoring opportunity. He could really tie the immense talent on this unit together.

The Goalie(s):

The precipitous decline of Mikka Kiprusoff doesn't seem to be scaring the Flames' management but it is certainly making fantasy owners a little jumpy. One thing can be said for Miikka, he is going to win you games. I would expect a turn around in the slide in both GAA and Sv. % because Kipper is too talented to continue down this path. Draft him as a second goaltender to be safe though. There are at least 11 options out there better then this one.
FACT: In 38 games with the flames in 2003-2004 Kiprusoff posted a GAA of 1.69, a modern NHL record.

The Verdict:

I'm convinced of two things. 1) This is still a playoff team. Even if they have to scratch and claw their way in they will. 2) That top line is going to be very very difficult to stop. Beyond that I think there are a lot of unanswered questions. For the Flames sake I hope Kipper turns it around and that some of their young players step up, otherwise an early exit for the fourth consecutive year looks pretty certain.