Those darn Flames.....

Yeah I think we have all said it at one time or another, those annoying Flames are always in the mix, regardless of their scoring prowess, defensive touch, or solidity in the net. In fact, since we (here at ANAHQ) have been watching the Flames, they have more consistently outperformed their paper stats than any other team. We have a term for a team like that, Lucky.... or it could be good leadership.... nah we'll go with Lucky.

Many teams come an go in the WCHL, most are very easy to predict a placement for in the standings year in and year out (until this year). The Flames have beaten back that idea for many a season however. Almost always an "outside looking in team" on paper, they have single handedly redefined what it takes to put together a "Moneyball" squad. Having said that, the Flames actually have the best "on paper" team we here at ANAHQ can recall, but for most of the season, that has mattered very little.

Now the Flames get their due. Much as the Ducks got theirs a few seasons back...(and are struggling now) sporting a great team, yet still coming in near last in the West (or they were). The Flames have little to grumble about for the many years atop the standings they have enjoyed.... and in fact, should be appreciative for having those years.

Leading the Flames, is the newcomer Claude Giroux whom GM Cham stole away for a song and a promise. Granting the Flames a stellar season so far with 33-25-58, Mr. Giroux has had the lime light all to himself, and lets be honest, he was the  only guy on the team who remembered how to play hockey, that is until Stamkos woke up recently and joined in with 18-33-51. It has sparked the Flames a little, and since we started writing this article they have progressed from bottom feeder to being only 2 points out of 8th spot in the West. 

Stamkos is definitely having a poor season (for him), with a colossal 18 goals in 69 games, making him one of the worst scorers (of those that are considered true scorers) in the league for season 19. Calgary cannot stop the blame there however, they must extend it to guys like Mike Fisher, whom while playing for Detroit, had an OK year, and since coming to Calgary, seems to have caught the Flounder flu, for which there is no known cure. This has resulted in 12 points in 34 games (with CAL) for the illustrious Fish.

Lets face it, after a terrible start to the season, the Flames find themselves below the line with 13 games to go, but since recent events have seen them improve their record immensely, you might even call it a hot streak. I suppose we should know better than to count CGY down and out, even if there is only a handful of contests left.

In Net CGY has actually had good luck despite their lack of scoring (until recently). Cory Schneider has managed a fairly consistent game and now has a decent record of .927 S% along with a GAA of 1.97, both of which put him in the top 10 in the league. Since S% and GAA are really the only stats that mean anything for a goalie (IOP), we would say he is having a good year.

This article started out with a completely different tone, at the time the Flames were last in the West, and looking pretty miserable, but since then, they have had a very good run and are looking like a playoff team if all continues. As long as their top scorers can bring the magic night in and night out, they will be one of the upset teams come round one, though few can be upset about it if we know its coming.

We have yet to touch on the defense, with good reason really, they have been abysmal in Calgary. Andrew Ference has been less then advertised with his offensive out put. With a whopping 8 points in 69 games, Ference has only his +/- to be proud of. On the brighter side, Justin Shultz has managed 23 points in the same span, playing along side Ference. We suspect the improved team play is transferring to the defense too and by seasons end their numbers will probably look a bit more respectable.

Calgary has had a rough year, but recent events have shown they are never to be counted out. With their tear upwards through the standings in the last 10 games, we can see them taking on the Blues, Oilers or even the Wild come the post season. Whichever team draws them, they would be best to take the matchup very seriously indeed. We predict the Flames are going to get in, and win round one, led by the renewed energy Stamkos seems to have, and the consistency of their tender along with Claude "can do no wrong"Giroux. Calgary is teaching us again this year, never underestimate this group or their ability to pull through in the end. Will it be their year to win a cup? they have the talent technically, but its the heart that will make the difference, and that has been lacking for them most of this season.