Remember when neither Rasmus Andersson nor Andrew Mangiapane were on the opening day roster for the Flames? Knowing what both have accomplished this season, it’s hard to believe that was actually the case. Both Andersson and Mangiapane have been pleasant surprises and have solidified themselves as NHLers heading into the 2019 postseason. For me, one…
While it won’t be set in stone for a little while yet, the Flames are on a collision course with the Colorado Avalanche in round one of the playoffs. Sure, there’s a chance Calgary could also see Arizona or Minnesota in the first round, but it’s most likely they’ll be hosting the Avalanche in less…
Despite being in the final stretch of what is likely the second-best regular season in franchise history, Flames goaltending has been a fiercely polarizing topic all season long. While I can’t tell you the conversation is going to die down anytime soon, I can tell you this: Calgary has a difficult goalie decision approaching very…
When you have a year like the Flames are having, narrowing down the top “bang for you buck” candidates is not an easy task. The fourth annual instalment of Calgary’s best value contracts is by far the hardest one yet, which is why I’ve expanded from a top three to a top five for 2019….
As the Flames move closer to clinching a playoff spot and a top-two seed in the Pacific, most eyes are focused on this team’s postseason fortunes. Give or take tweaks here and there, Calgary has settled on a regular lineup over the last number of weeks. With additional options becoming available, though, the Flames have…
Flames fans have enjoyed an incredible season thus far and it sets up for the team’s best chance for a deep playoff run since 2004. And yet, when all is said and done, Saturday, March 2 might be the most memorable night of the year, and it’ll have nothing to do with the team’s on-ice…
What does Calgary’s ideal blueline look like in the playoffs? Assuming good health, the Flames are going to have a ton of options to consider on their back end come April. With the deadline addition of Oscar Fantenberg and the availability of Michael Stone and Juuso Valimaki, Calgary will have plenty to consider, both in…
Seeing Mike Smith’s recent uptick in performance is nothing but positive for the Flames. Smith’s 3-0-1 record in four consecutive starts is an encouraging sign, but also remains a small sample size compared to the entire season’s body of work. Likewise, while David Rittich’s play has dipped of late, it’s in contrast to his larger…
Toronto’s Auston Matthews has set the bar and I can’t imagine many agents across the league are too upset about it. Matthews signed a deal worth $11.634 million (get it, he wears #34) over five years on Tuesday, which marks the first of this supergroup of high profile restricted free agents to get paid. Calgary’s…
As the Flames come off their break Friday night in Washington, they find themselves on top of the Pacific Division and Western Conference. With 31 games to go, Calgary has eyes on one of their best regular season finishes in team history and a deep playoff run. In no particular order, let’s go through some…
What should Calgary do at the trade deadline? That’s the most thought-provoking discussion surrounding the Flames right now, and it’s one we’re not really used to having. Barring a massive collapse down the stretch, Calgary will enter the 2019 postseason as contenders for the first time in years. While there are myriad opinions on how…
Juuso Valimaki’s imminent return to active duty comes at an interesting time for the Flames. As of this publish date, the trade deadline is exactly five weeks away and multiple reports suggest Calgary is interested in adding a left-shot defender. It’s not overstating it to suggest how Valimaki fares upon his return will determine the…
