Season Preview: The Pacific Division

Calgary Flames
Last Season: 19-25-4 (13th in Western Conference – 4th in Northwest Division – Missed Playoffs)

Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Flames start their first full season without Miikka Kiprusoff, who retired right before training camp started, but was all but certain he was going to. Also, this will be the first full season without former captain Jarome Iginla, who after failing to make the Stanley Cup Finals with Pittsburgh, will now join the team who originally acquired him during last seasons trade deadline, but then didn’t, and the runner up in the Stanley Cup Finals — the Boston Bruins.

Holes to replace Iginla’s leadership has already been addressed, as Mark Giordano was named the 19th captain in team history, and Kari Ramo is expect to be the opening night starter for the Flames, as he impressed in the games he started for the Flames during the preseason. Yet, this will be a difficult rebuilding year, as the team will surely struggle, as their attempt to match young talent with their proven veterans.

Player to Watch: Kari Ramo
Playing a few years in the KHL did him a  good job, as well as strong play during the preseason to earn the right to be the starting goaltender for the team, as the other two goaltenders didn’t do enough to prove themselves worthy. He has a lot to prove though, meaning that he has to be consistent. He does have big shoes to fill to replace Kiprusoff, but expect him to play up to expectations due to the team that’s around him.

Projected Lines
Matt Stajan – Mike Cammalleri – Curtis Glencross
Lee Stempiak – Jiri Hudler  – TJ Galiardi
David Jones – Sean Monahan – Lance Bouma
Brian McGrattan – Tim Jackman – Ben Street

Mark Giordano – Dennis Wideman
Shane O’Brien – TJ Brodie
Chris Butler – Christopher Breen

Kari Ramo – Joey MacDonald

Games vs. Rangers
Sunday Dec. 15 @ New York
Friday Mar. 28 @ Calgary