Pre-Season Report: Calgary Flames

Following an offseason of questionable moves, GM Darryl Sutter finds himself under extreme pressure for his team to perform. In an attempt to get Calgary's offense going, Sutter turned to two familiar free agents and signed UFA forwards, Alex Tanguay and Olli Jokinen. In all fairness, Tanguay, while healthy and on Iginla's line, had some success in Calgary. Jokinen on the other hand failed to perform on Calgary's top line.

The Forwards

Even after a trade that brought in forwards Matt Stajan and Niklas Hagman, the Flames find themselves weak at every forward position. Despite possessing one of the games most talented, fearless, and consistent players (Iginla), the Flames have been unable to find the right mix of players to surround him with. After this summer, Iginla will have nothing new to work with, but might be able to find some chemistry with Alex Tanguay once again.

The only rookie that will conceivably make the team this year, is 21 year-old Mikael Backlund. The centreman has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, totaling 10 points in 23 games with the Flames last season. He will most likely make opening day roster, and will be given opportunity to prove his worth to the Flames.

Matt Stajan, who signed a four year contract extension worth $3.5 million per season, will be expected to produce at a higher level than last season. After coming over to the Flames from the Leafs, Stajan scored 16 points in 27 games. Not bad, but considering he was playing top minutes with Jarome Iginla, Stajan was given a golden opportunity and came up short.

Rene Bourque had a career season in 09/10, scoring 58 points in 73 games. He will be expected to provide scoring from the second line. The speedy Bourque has the potential to meet these expectations, but again, part of that has to do with his linemates. An uninspired Ales Kotalik will be on a short leash this season, and will need to play much better hockey. Veteran Daymond Langkow will need to be consistent and Niklas Hagman needs to score 25 goals. Something we know he can do.

The Defense

Last years disaster season definitely was not due to the defense. In fact, the Flames were fifth overall in goals against. With Phaneuf now out of the picture, Bouwmeester and Regehr are the defensive leaders. As always, the Flames have a solid back-end with the likes of Ian White, Mark Giordano, Steve Staios, and Cory Sarich making up the top six.

Shutting down the other teams offense will not be the problem. Creating offense however, will need to be an improvement for the Flames defense moving forward. The Flames have lost Phaneuf's blast from the point, but Bouwmeester, when playing to full potential, can do that just as well as anyone. If the Flames hope to make the playoffs, Bouwmeester, White, and Giordano will need to contribute from the blueline. Even strength and on the powerplay.

The Goalies

There isn't a whole lot that needs to be said about the goaltending in Calgary. Any hockey fan knows that a focused Kiprusoff is one of the toughest goalies to beat in the NHL. Despite the Flames rocky season, Kiprusoff once again posted strong numbers, winning 35 games, boasting a .920 save percentage and a 2.31 goals against average. At age 34, Kiprusoff still has a couple solid seasons left. I expect the same from him this coming season.

In the backup role, the Flames once again have a new face in Henrik Karlsson. This Swedish giant was in San Jose's system, but played for Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League last season, sporting a .914 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA. He came to the Flames in a trade last season.

The Scoop
The Flames do have some strong players heading into the 2010-2011 season, but plainly look the same. There is no reason for me to believe that they will be significantly better this season. Perhaps if coach Brent Sutter can push the right buttons, this team can click. But it is hard to believe that Jokinen and Tanguay are the answer to the Flames offensive issues. Considering how difficult the west is going to be, the Flames will be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

My Prediction: 11th in the West.