Mike Cammalleri Returns, Karri Ramo Calgary Flames Goalie

Oct 9, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Karri Ramo (31) makes a save in action against the Edmonton Oilers in the third period at Rexall Place. Calgary won 4-2 over Edmonton. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports

The opening day of free agency (July 1st) was one of those days where a lot went right for our Calgary Flames (the signing of Jonas Hiller, Mason Raymond…Deryk Engelland) but the one thing that went wrong stole a lion’s share of the headlines. Mike Cammalleri signed a five year contract with the New Jersey Devils.

With tonight marking Cammalleri’s first visit back to the Dome, I figured it would only be right to ask the New Jersey Devils’ FanSided Editor David Berger , “How’s Cammy treating you?” His reply, “Short answer: he’s our best player lmao.” The “long answer” to how Cammalleri is fitting in with his new team can be found in Berger’s article, “New Jersey Devils Biggest Contributer, Surprise, and Disappointment“. Of course, Cammy’s the Biggest Contributer!

The biggest concern was how our Calgary Flames were going to overcome the loss of Cammalleri’s 26 goals. So far this season, Cammalleri has 7 goals in 14 games while on the Flames side of ledger, Dennis Wideman has 8 goals in 20 games and sophomore Sean Monahan has 8 goals in 21 games. Then there’s our captain Mark Giordano who is sitting tied for 7th overall in league scoring with 22 points in 21 games.

When talking about replacing the production of Mike Cammalleri, one must mention two names. First a name that entered the season shouldering some of that expectation, Johnny Gaudreau. Second a name that has made the most of his “injured player replacement status” Josh Jooris (8 points in 14 games).

After being held off the score sheet the first 5 games of the season, Gaudreau has compiled 14 points in 20 total games. Noted for his ability to create space for himself and his teammates, Gaudreau’s ice vision and passing skills have prompted quite a few “wow’s” already in his rookie season. Gaudreau is born from New Jersey so if that inspires any extra motivation in the youngster, tonight could easily contain another “wow” moment.

Long story short, I am not overly worried about our Calgary Flames being able to outscore Mike Cammalleri’s New Jersey Devils.

A note about the Calgary Flames goaltending rotation for the next couple games:

Go Flames Go!

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