Last night the Calgary Flames recalled Leland Irving after sending him back to the Heat on February 19th. Less than one week after the Trade Deadline, the Flames use one of their four call ups that they have from now until the end of the season. So what does this mean for the Flames?
Let’s take a look after the break.
With the addition of Irving to the roster, it seems like Henrik Karlsson has been bumped as Miikka Kiprusoff’s back up. While Kipper hadn’t had many nights off these season (12 games), who ever is in goal has a difficult role to fill. Night after night the Flames have Kipper in goal and those few select moments he’s not in goal, well the Flames need someone who is able to deliver the same level of skill.
Karlsson has started in 7 games and has ended up with a record of 0-4-1 and 19 GA. Not exactly the most sparkling record for someone filling in for Kipper. This is Karlsson’s second season in the NHL, with years of experience in the Swedish leagues.
Irving has started in 5 games and has ended up with a record of 1-1-3 and 15 GA. A slight step up from Karlsson but not anything that will launch the Flames into playoff contention and beyond.
What confuses me is the recall of Irving. Yes, he’s a better back up for Kipper but for this last stretch how many games will have someone other than Kipper between the pipes? Why did the Flames waste one of their recalls on a player that will hardly be used? With the luck the Flames have been having with injuries, wouldn’t it make sense to hold to those recalls and use them for when the inevitable will happen? I don’t see the logic. Do you?
Don’t forget, the puck drops tonight at 7pm against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Go Flames Go!