Apr 13, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Curtis Glencross (20) checks Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler (17) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning Calgary Flames fans!! It’s gameday (sorta)!
Our “baby” Flames take on the “baby” Canucks tonight in the final game of the Young Stars tournament in Pentinction, BC. The Calgary Flames YouTube channel streams the game beginning at 6:30PM local time. Hopefully the line of Michael Ferland–Markus Granlund-Josh Jooris is re-united for tonight’s game as they were dominant in the tournament opener versus Winnipeg.
Speaking of Josh Jooris, he was re-introduced to the Flame For Thought family late last night.
A double dip this morning of a weekly feature I like to call ISEE (Iggy Smalls Excellent Edits). The first one features a player who continues to fuel Calder Trophy speculation with his play in Johnny Gaudreau. The second one features the 6’7″ Calgary Flame I’m most excited about Keegan Kanzig (just gotta keep him out of the sinbin). My bold prediction is that both Gaudreau and Kanzig will score goals tonight versus the Canucks.
Amidst all the predictions of a bottom two finish in the upcoming 2014-15 season for our Calgary Flames – – all of which I disagree with – – I finally found an article that sees the positive spin I envision happening. Here is the piece by Bleacher Report’s Dave Lozo about our Calgary Flames:
"The Calgary Flames haven’t achieved a playoff berth since 2009. That’s not likely to change this season, but they’re not as far off as people think.Sean Monahan acquitted himself well in his rookie season and Johnny Gaudreau arrives in Alberta with a lot of hype after winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. Depending on how coach Bob Hartley sets his lineup, his four centers could be Monahan, Mikael Backlund, Matt Stajan and Joe Colborne, which is far from a weakness.Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie are a formidable top pairing on defense, while Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo should be an improvement in net this season.If Monahan and Gaudreau make an impact, it’s a long shot, but the Flames could find themselves in the mix for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season."