Post Turkey Stars and Goats

After the glowing 4 and 0 start, things have started to slide downhill for the Flames (don’t say I didn’t warn you!) making things for ripe goat picking. Star gazing has been a little tougher, however…

Rene Bourque –

One of team’s break-out players from last year, Bourque now leads the club in goals (4) and points (8). The second line has arguably been the most dangerous in terms of generating scoring chances and Bourque’s play has been a major reason why. I wonder if Jokinen is taking notes?

Dustin Boyd –

I told you the pickings were slim. Boyd had a hell of time converting on scoring chances for the first five games…but at least he was getting them. Last night he was good for a goal and an assist against the Hawks and was one of the few skaters that ended the night even.

Adam Pardy –

After a rough pre-season, some were wondering if Pardy was going to lose his roster to spot to one of the various upstarts looking to usurp him (Kronwall, Stralman, etc.). The big sophomore has responded fairly well in the regular season, however, frequently looking more than comfortable at both ends of the ice.

The goaltendiing –

Both ‘tenders belong here after giving up 11 goals in the last two games. Sure, the club in front of them played pretty poorly, but a lot of pucks slipped through pads this weekend, including the game winner in overtime last night.

Olli Jokinen –

My nominee for Flames scapegoat of the year is out to an early lead, now with his second apperance on this list. Jokinen only has a goal because the puck skipped over Niemi’s glove during a routine dump in. He has less shots on net than Dustin Boyd (despite way more ice time), he’s bled scoring chances against at an alarming rate and has been little more a liability than anything else in the offensive zone. I predicted he’d be public enemy number one by about Christmas time, but that prediction may prove too late.

Daymond Langkow –

Has generated some chances with Bourque, but hasn’t been converting himself and is a dreadful -9. I believe a lot of that plus/minus rate is bad luck, but it’s a difficult number to ignore. I also think it’s only inevitable that he and Bourque will be playing with Jarome Iginla eventually, at which time his and the Captain’s numbers will improve.