Northern Exposure: Looking Ahead to 2011-12 – Calgary Flames
After focusing on the Vancouver Canucks last week, we traverse the Rocky Mountains and find ourselves in Calgary this week, to take a closer look at the Flames.
PROJECTED 2011-12 LINEUP
Forwards:
| A Tanguay | O Jokinen | J Iginla |
| C Glencross | B Morrison | R Bourque |
| N Hagman | M Stajan | D Moss |
| T Kostopolous | M Backlund | T Jackman |
| SPARES | D Langkow (injury) | |
| R Ivanans | ||
| P Leblond |
There were not a lot of changes early on this summer to the Flames’ forward group. GM Jay Feaster preferred to take care of his business by keeping Alex Tanguay around and with the uncertainty surrounding Daymond Langkow’s injury problems, brought back Brendan Morrison with another bargain level contract. The Flames still don’t have the #1 centre to play with Jarome Iginla, and the same group that missed the playoffs will be counted upon to take them there this year. Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond comes in from New Jersey, but will be hard pressed to be in the lineup on a consistent basis.
Defense:
| J Bouwmeester | M Giordano |
| C Sarich | A Babchuck |
| B Mikkelson | C Butler |
| SPARES | B Carson |
The biggest change of significance on the blue line was the swap of Chris Butler for Robin Regehr. The Flames got younger, but not better in the short term. Jay Bouwmeester needs to take control of the team and provide leadership in Regehr’s absence
Goaltending:
| M Kiprusoff |
| H Karlsson |
Goaltending is not the weak point in Calgary, as Mikka Kiprusoff is perennially one of the league’s best. He is also not getting any younger and Henrik Karlsson will need to be sharp when he gets a chance to spell the starter. Both need better support from the team around them than they got last season.
ROOKIE TO WATCH OUT FOR:
F Greg Nemisz: If the Flames’ offense sputters at the beginning of the season, don’t be surprised to see Nemisz get a call. A two time Memorial Cup Champion in Windsor, Nemisz is entering his second pro season. He played 6 games in Calgary last season, netting one assist. He is ready to be a contributor if he gets the opportunity.
3 BURNING QUESTIONS:
1. How much does Jarome Iginla have left in the tank?
Iginla has carried the Flames on his shoulders for years, and with his style of play, he can only do it so much longer. His consistency is lagging a little in terms of daily effectiveness, but at the end of the season, you can still count on him for 35-45 goals and 75-85 points. For now.
2. When will Jay Bouwmeester’s performance equal his talent?
Perhaps an unfair question, but one that needs asking nonetheless. Bouwmeester’s underachievements in Florida was blamed on the lack of talent surrounding him, and now what is the excuse? He is such a nice player to watch skate, and he brings a lot to the table. However at the end of the day, his talent package should give the Flames more than what it has.
3. Is this a playoff team?
Not much has changed on the Flames roster since April. They were not a playoff team then and they will be hard pressed to make up enough ground with the roster as it stands now to qualify for the post-season in 2011-12.
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Jared Crozier is also a contributing writer for SenShot on the Fansided Network. He can be reached on twitter @alfieisgod or by email at senshot.jared@gmail.com.