Calgary Flames Daily: Getting more of an idea of the final roster

With just two preseason games left, it’s down to the wire for who will be making the final cut. Let’s check out some news surrounding the Calgary Flames.

There are only two preseason games left for the Calgary Flames and we’re starting to get more of a clear picture of who’s making the final roster. The Flames roster is at 27 players, meaning they have to cut four players by next Tuesday.

With the projected lineup tonight against the Vancouver Canucks, we may be seeing these same players next Wednesday on opening night. Which means that some fans may not be too pleased.

Tonight, we’re seeing some relatively similar lineups that we saw last season. That had things that didn’t work.

Like I mentioned yesterday, a Matt Bartkowski and Michael Stone pairing is not ideal. So far during exhibition games, Bartkowski has not impressed whatsoever. And according to 960’s Derek Wills, we’ll probably be seeing that pairing on opening night.

Again like I mentioned yesterday, in the game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames were up 3-1 and ended up losing 5-2. Bartkowski was on the ice for three of the goals. He had four giveaways alone in that game. In three exhibition games, he has eight giveaways. It’d be nice to see the Flames give Brett Kulak and Rasmus Andersson a bigger shot than someone like Bartkowski.

Related Story: Flames Daily - Who's making the final cut?

We’re also seeing a Kris Versteeg–Sam Bennett–Troy Brouwer line on that third line. The first three lines are all the same as what we saw last season. Then that fourth line, we have Matt Stajan alongside Tanner Glass and Freddie Hamilton. If this is what’s to come as the final lineup, then, unfortunately, Mark Jankowski may be missing his shot at a full-time NHL job again. However, I can somewhat see Jankowski, Freddie, and Matt Stajan somewhat rotating throughout the season.

To be fair though, Tanner Glass hasn’t been a complete PTO signing bust. And right now, it seems likely that the Flames will end up signing him to a contract.

Flames Tweet of the day

(Yes, we’re putting out own Tweet because we are hilarious)

Hockey Tweet of the day

Some links surrounding the Flames

Andersson sticking around in pursuit of Flames’ roster spot (Calgary Herald).

Calgary Flames getting down to nitty-gritty with roster (Calgary Sun).

Flames lacking offence at right wing (TSN).

Corbella: Flames importance to Calgary undeniable (Calgary Sun).

Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL

St. Louis Blues: Robby Fabbri out for season after knee injury (Puck Prose).

5 things learned from Sept. 27 preseason games (NHL.com).

Four interesting statistics from preseason (NHL.com).

Leafs’ Babcock: NHL puts heat on coaches with new penalty (Sportsnet).

Next: 7 days until the season starts: #7 Joe Mullen

That’s all for today’s Flames Daily!