Sure the Panthers have some up and coming stars, but they are from ready to contend for a playoff spot.  And the Leafs…..well….they’re the Leafs.  Even Santa Claus said they sucked!

The Flames don’t appear to be getting much respect which is sure to suit the team just fine.  An underdog role is usually the best role to be in and that is what the Flames appear to find themselves as.  Everyone has the Vancouver Canucks as the run away favorites to win the Northwest division this year and are one of the top three favorites to win the Cup on Bodog at 10/1.  Only the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins sit ahead of the Canucks.

After the Canucks, the Minnesota Wild loaded up this off-season and there is plenty buzz surrounding the acquisitions of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise.  The Wild have 18/1 odds.

Even the Edmonton Oilers are miles ahead of the Flames on Bodogs’ list.  Those damn, pesky Oilers have 16/1 odds.  Sure they’re young but they’re also inexperienced and the difference in goal between Edmonton and Calgary is good for a laugh.

So Flames fans, it would appear that the underdog role is what you’re left with.  Given how well the Flames typically play once January rolls around, this club could be dangerous in a short 48-game schedule.  That and the fact that Miikka Kiprusoff will play nearly every game this year without the concerns of burning him out by the time the playoffs roll around, the Flames are be a great bet to contend.  Not only for the division, but the Kings demonstrated last year that all you have to do is get into the dance.  After that, anything can happen.

Have an extra C-note kicking around?  Might be worth throwing it down on the Flames.

The backup job for the Flames was said to be up for grabs between Karlsson and Irving with either to get very little playing time behind number one netminder, Miikka Kiprusoff.

Kiprusoff is expected to play the majority of the 48-game schedule and recently, Flames general manager, Jay Feaster went on record to say that he will likely play well over 40 games this year.

Should both Karlsson and Irving be claimed it would leave the Flames in a unique predicament with no current backup on the books.  Kari Ramo is in the Flames minor league system and he does have NHL experience.  After that it’s slim pickings.

Of course a trade involving an additional netminder could always be made or perhaps Feaster is rolling the dice, hoping that either one of the two don’t get claimed or another backup becomes available via the waiver wire.

Last season, Karlsson went 1-4-2 during nine games with Calgary while posting a 3.17 GAA and a .900 save percentage.  Irving played in seven games for the Flames in 2011-12, going 1-3-3 with a 3.20 GAA and a .912 save percentage.

Of course Kiprusoff has been the epitome of a workhorse throughout his career in Calgary, a move that often brings criticism that he may be burnt out by season’s end.  With a shortened season, the Flames could be the biggest beneficiary of the 48-game slate, providing Kiprusoff can avoid his slow start and most importantly, stay healthy.