Blackhawks vs Flames - 8:00pm - CBC

[Pizza]

Go Flames Go!!

http://1.cdn.nhle.com/blackhawks/images/logos/large.png 6-0-2

vs

http://1.cdn.nhle.com/flames/images/logos/large.png 1-3-1

aww who am I kidding...We are so doomed...

[krynski]

No HD? :(

[Joborule]

Flames lose games they should win, and can at times win games they should lose.

They're probably gonna lose still, but might be a close matchup.

[Pizza]

No HD? :(

guess not...

isnt there usually someone who's waiting to make a thread like this at 12:01am?

[Roof-Daddy]

There is no way the Flames should win this game, so you know what that means right?

Flames hand the Hawks their first regulation loss.

[SoulOfTheFlame]

guess not...

isnt there usually someone who's waiting to make a thread like this at 12:01am?

Usually we let HD do his magic for GDT. PGT is free for all.

[sun]

I honestly think we win this one in a convincing fashion. Just to string us along a little further.

[Yrebmi]

Looking forward to a "real" measuring stick.
Despite the losing record, I have thought the Flames looked good, and at times great so far this shortened and young season.
Growing pains were expected with a new coach/system so I'm trying to not let the 7 missed points upset me overmuch.

[TurnedTheCorner]

5-2 Hawks.

[krynski]

I'm gonna say.....Iggy finally breaks out tonight, Kippp gets back on his game,cervenka shows us what a 3-million dollar player should play like and hudler plays great as usual. Flames BLOWOUT the hawks for Kipps first shutout of the season. 5-0

[zamler]

Flames win 3-1 with a dominating performance, score should have been 7-1 except that the Hawks get great goaltending and help from a few goalposts.

Then I woke up.

[JazzyFlame]

Now I want pizza

[$ven27]

We always seem to lose games we should win, and win games we should lose. So it could be interesting, maybe, hopefully..

[EddyBeers]

5-3 Hawks, a few glaring defensive breakdowns in an otherwise exciting, up-tempo, non-boring game leave the Flames 1-4-1 after having 5 of their first 6 at home and half those games against non playoff teams. The answers are still in the room and the Flames will look for them on the road.

[the_only_turek_fan]

I am scared.

A small part of me thinks the Flames are going to have a big game an win 6-1.

[JazzyFlame]

I expect the Hawks to destroy the Flames.

[StrykerSteve]

Flames are going to get blown out tonight, it's not going to be pretty.

Or they will win a close one, I'll watch either way.

[Street Pharmacist]

I've been too accurate lately with my predictions. Therefore, 5-1 Flames

[MissTeeks]

@RogMillions: No Hawks skate at Saddledome today..heads to pillow around 3am following shootout loss to #Canucks in Vancouver. No Bolland update.

@RogMillions: Cervenka is taking part in morning skate for #Flames

[J epworth]

Has Ray Emery been confirmed for tonight? If so, I think we could win this, he struggled against us last season, and our offence has not been a problem so far this year. Just need Kiprusoff to play half decent and we can win this.

[djsFlames]

I just want them to dominate a better team (as they oddly seem to do just when we're on the cusp of giving in), but tonight especially JUST to shut up all the d-bag, oiler loving slugs covering the game on HNIC.

But they'll have to be extra flawless in their game, because the panel will be looking for anything negative to expose and pick apart as they always do. They need to somehow look more youthful than chicago too, since age seems to be a favorite recurring theme with the analysts as well. Good luck there..

Anyways

I believe.
Let's go out and redeem that loss that should not have been. GFG!

[HalifaxDrunk]

Sorry I have been at a hockey tourney for my son all day. Didn't have time to start the GDT before leaving at 6:30 this morn.

Thanks Pizza.

As CP is all doom and gloom for this one I predict a Flames solid win.

Go Flames!

[GoFlamesGo1989]

6-5 Hawks Kipper struggles again with Irving in for relief. But Flames comeback comes up short.

[PeteLFan]

8-0 Hawks.

[Kaine]

Either Kipper has a bounce back game and the Flames win in convincing manner, or it gets ugly pretty quickly.

[djsFlames]

8-0 Hawks.

gtfo.

[direwolf]

The Flames have proven that they can score goals. Preventing them is the problem right now. It seems when the game is on the line, our defence can't seem to handle the pressure and collapse like a cheap tent, and Kipper has been downright awful. This one's not gonna be pretty.

6-2 Hawks.

[dammage79]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/decolady/people/carnack-mag.jpg


5-3 Loss for the good guys....Kipper hasn't sorted his issue out just yet.

[TurnedTheCorner]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/decolady/people/carnack-mag.jpg


5-3 Loss for the good guys....Kipper hasn't sorted his issue out just yet.

What is issue? Being 36 and disinterested in playing in the NHL after this season?

[vektor]

last place team versus first place, go us. The blackhawks are tired, beaten down, which means we'll compete until the last minute then lose 7-2

[Miniac]

Flames come to play tonight & win!

Kipper stands on his head and Iggy gets his 1st.

[MisterJoji]

Kipper plays like games vs Ducks and Avalanche = 5-4 Loss
Kipper plays average = 4-2 Win

Regardless Iggy and Cammy both get their first goals of the year, Cervenka pots his first career goal and Glencross gets his 4th.

Interesting to note that one of the Flames major problems last year was the large disparity in shots against. We are outshooting our opponents 156-131, and have not been outshot yet in any of the first 5 games. Hopefully we start burying more of these chances. But really, season hinges on Kipper and he needs to up his game immediately.

[EVERLAST]

Tanguay has to stop looking to pass tonight and start shooting the GDP.....I know it's TNgs I am talking about but his looking to pas to Iginla last game in every impossible way had me believing he would have easily scored every time he passed.....he and Hudler would've singlehandedly won the last game.

Hudler Cervenka and Tanguay could be lethal if Hartley let them play one entire game.

Must win tonight.....no excuses.....no getting a lead and trying to sit on it.....gotta be physical....we can skate with the hawks and they love beating us.

Time for the captain to show up.....Kipper doesn't get to wear the goats freakin horns...he's carried this team on his back for too long and when other players don't show up and nobody says squat and then defends these guys ????? wtf???

No more losing guys come on.

[StrykerSteve]

Butler is in the lineup. Flames lose. Not tough to predict really.

[Huntingwhale]

Flames are gonna get the crap beat out of them and cement their last place spot in the league. It's gonna be a bad one in front of the entire country, 7-1 Hawks.

[Miniac]

Roger Millions ‏@RogMillions (https://twitter.com/RogMillions)
Probable #Flames (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Flames&src=hash) lines- Cervenka Stajan Hudler, Cammalleri Tanguay Iginla, Glencross Backlund Stempniak, Comeau Jones jackman..

Probable D Men #Flames (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Flames&src=hash) , Giordano Bouwmeester, Brodie Wideman, Smith Butler..Sarich getting extra skating..probable scratch.

[EVERLAST]

Really Butler.....well I hope he plays his ass off.....or his ass off this team......I wonder he and comeau become permanent fixtures in the press box.

[EVERLAST]

No way Sarich should ever sit in place of Butler.....wtf

[Henry Fool]

What is issue? Being 36 and disinterested in playing in the NHL after this season?

Both him and Iginla have always been slow starters. It's unfortunate in a shortened season, but that's just how it is.

I don't think the team is good enough to make the playoffs anyway, but both of them will improve a lot once they're warmed up.

[flambers]

Flames win this one 4-3

[Pointman]

Go Flames Go!

[MisterJoji]

Butler is in the lineup. Flames lose. Not tough to predict really.

Sarich 5 games, 0 points, -1
Butler 3 games , 0 points, -3
Smith 3 games, 0 points, even.

Why the hell are we playing Butler!?!?

[RedMileDJ]

Gonna be ugly. I have no idea of score, but I predict a Flames win.

Why? Cause I'm optimistic, positive and a Flames fan. So yah...they have to win.

...But it's gonna be ugly.

[Miniac]

Kipper will bounce back says the coach

"I'll be very honest with you," said the Flames head coach following Friday's on-ice session.

"Miikka Kip-rusoff was one of the reasons why I decided to come to Calgary. I still feel the same way about Miikka Kiprusoff. If I would be a betting man, I know Miikka Kiprusoff is going to win way more games for the Calgary Flames than he's going to lose."
Unprompted, he continued.

"He's one of the best goalies in the league," Hartley said. "I feel very comfortable, very confident, with Miikka. And I know that he's going to bounce back."

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Kipper+will+bounce+back+coach+says/7909568/story.html

[djsFlames]

I'm just excited to watch my two new favorite Flames, Roman and Jiri.

Can't wait to see what they've got up their sleeves for tonight.

[JazzyFlame]

I personally think Cammi should centre that line.

Tanguay - Cammelleri - Iginla

[devo22]

I don't like this constant defensive rotation. For god's sake, just sit Butler until someone is hurt.

[browna]

^I still think Sarich is nursing an injury. He played one shift in the 3rd last game, and came out on the ice to skate around during a timeout and seemed to be testing/favouring a foot/leg.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Believe it's mark lee and Hrudey like last week.

[seattleflamer]

Flames continue their inconsistent play and win this one. Kipper with a bounce back game and Iggy nets winner: 4-3, good guys.

[indes]

For all the flak flames get for lack of high end skill and depth that 1a/1b line thing looks pretty damn awesome

[WhiteTiger]

Go Flames Go!

[Ashasx]

7-1 Flames because that's how these games seem to go.

[calgary2220]

Butler in? No way we win. 4-1 hawks

[kyuss275]

Somehow the flames will win this 5-2. Emery will be shaky and Bolland will be out ( i hope). They will be tired. Flames will have a good 3rd period this time and put it away.

Iggy, Cammi , Cervenka, Glencross, adn Hudler with the goals.


I have defended Butler many times in the past but i have know idea how he got back into the lineup. He should be in the pressbox after last games debacle.

[skcli]

The usual story prevails. First line not going, Butler give away, too much space at the slot, long stretch passes, Kipper cannot keep the puck. A loss!

[Nuckleduster]

Go Flames. Get those damn dirty Hawks.

[PeteLFan]

Really looking foward to seeing Cervenka again, we haven't seen that type of passing and skill with him and Hudler since we had Juice. They might be even better with the puck actually, I don't know why Hartley insists on having Cammy with Iginla and Glencross. Reward the guys that have actually played hard and put Iginla Hudler and Cervenka on the top PP line, they will find him.

Tired of seeing Cammy who was so adamant about his salary during the lockout, producing 3 shots on net and being paid 6 million. Not only that but his lack of effort, and fight out there.

[MolsonInBothHands]

So, this is a game we should win because we shouldn't win?

I think there is still enough talent on our team that if our best players are our best players the game is winnable.

7-2 Hawks.

[thefoss1957]

'Hawks offense has been sputtering, and the PP has been pathetic...and this one has all the signs of a "trap" game for my guys...the 'Hawks seem to generate little emotion vs. Your guys, and I am sure were more focused on the Canuck game.

I expect Emery for only his 2nd game this season, I expect Bolland will not dress, but have seen nothing official.

So I expect the 'Hawks to be

Saad/Toews/Hossa
Sharp/Shaw/Kane
Bickell/Kruger/Frolik
Stalberg/Mayers/Bollig

SeaKeith
Hjammer/Oduya
Brookbank/Leddy

Emery

The key to beating the decidedly "soft" 'Hawks is to hit their D-Men below the goal line on the forecheck, and not get mesmerized by the top 6 forwards as they cycle offensively. Frolik and Stalberg are especially dangerous chipping in from the red line and hitting the gas to blow by retreating D-men. Sharp, Toews, Saad, and Stalberg prefer shooting off the transition rush. Kane prefers to dangle. Hossa has been a monster at both. The trailer on rushes is the primary offensive focus...Seabrook, Keith, Leddy, Oduya coming late will be threats...Brookbank and Hjammer not so much.

Good Luck to your guys...they play a clogging game, it will be a Flame win...they try to match speed, it will be my guys.

[nik-]

most years I'd expect the Flames to win this game because it's the one they shouldn't between this and the Avs game. This year I just don't know :(

[Calgary4LIfe]

I make a crazy prediction and predict a crazy game.. 9-5 Flames. Iginla with a Jarome Iginla Hat Trick - 3 goals, 3 assists and 3 fights. Backlund will be one of the stars.

[Bertuzzied]

No HD? :(

Crap! don't scare me like that. I can't watch any games not in high def!

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

The Flames show just how two-faced they actually are and win this one convincingly.

5-2 Flames. The legend of Hudler builds as he pots 2 goals, Cervenka gets his first goal in the NHL, Backlund continues his confident play and gets a goal, Wideman gets his first as a Flame.

Patrick Sharp gets the two for Chicago.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Crap! don't scare me like that. I can't watch any games not in high def!

I honestly don't know how I did it. Up until September I couldn't afford HD, but I finally got it and oh my god, it's a phenomenal invention haha.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

@RogMillions: No Hawks skate at Saddledome today..heads to pillow around 3am following shootout loss to #Canucks in Vancouver. No Bolland update.

@RogMillions: Cervenka is taking part in morning skate for #Flames

Meaning since the boys * should* be able to win this one against a tired team we lose, 5-1 :( God I hope I'm wrong.

[edn88]

going to the game with the wife...

have pretty low expectations about what the Flames are going to be able to do against the Hawks... just hoped to be entertained (maybe see an Iginla goal)...

It might be too early to say it, but if they lose tonight, I think that their season is pretty much done - barring superhero efforts from some of the players.

[pylon]

My prediction?

lSPNQ82Sq4E

No clue how it's relevant, just needed an excuse to post this.

[sa226]

I'd like to see Backlund play on the Hudler line, I think his speed and shot would add more to those guys.

This is not a hate on for Stajan. The guy has played very well, but I think he would play well anywhere.

Backlund to me looks like a guy ready to break loose, no better place than with those crazy Czechs.

[868904]

Yup when the odds are stacked against the opposition, the Flames are always there to even it out for them.

Hawks are tired team;
Hawks get in late;
Hawks playing their backup goalie;
Hawks without a key player in Bolland;
Hawks have not won in Calgary in awhile.

Pretty much guarantees a Hawks win. Flames always blow the back to back night advantage.

[868904]

The key to beating the decidedly "soft" 'Hawks is to hit their D-Men below the goal line on the forecheck, and not get mesmerized by the top 6 forwards as they cycle offensively. Frolik and Stalberg are especially dangerous chipping in from the red line and hitting the gas to blow by retreating D-men. Sharp, Toews, Saad, and Stalberg prefer shooting off the transition rush. Kane prefers to dangle. Hossa has been a monster at both. The trailer on rushes is the primary offensive focus...Seabrook, Keith, Leddy, Oduya coming late will be threats...Brookbank and Hjammer not so much.

Good Luck to your guys...they play a clogging game, it will be a Flame win...they try to match speed, it will be my guys.

Let's see:

Flames forwards don't hit;
Flames defencemen are always mesmerized by offensive cycles;
Flames forwards don't like to backcheck so the Hawks defencemen trailer will be open most times.

You might as well make this 3 reasons why Chicago will win.

[bax]

Definitely see the flames pulling out a win here, it just seems like something they would do after that crap festival against the avs

[thefoss1957]

868904...I have been working the 1500 to 2300hrs shift, and have not had an opportunity to see your guys in action...so, you are saying, that we are gonna have a game with little physicality? Flames cannot allow open play on their home ice...

[JBR]

I'm 0-2 at the Dome this year.

Streak breaker tonight.

5-2 Flames. Kipper stands on his head. Cammalleri awakens.

[Yakbutter]

I've watched the last 3 hawks games. The flames are not even in the same universe as Chicago. prepare yourself for a beatdown, friends.

[Saqe]

Is Kipper in net tonight?

[Yoho]

I've watched the last 3 hawks games. The flames are not even in the same universe as Chicago. prepare yourself for a beatdown, friends.

Time for the Flames to be "Masters of the Universe."

4-3 Flames in Shoot-out

[Dion]

Hawks win this 5-2.

[Thor]

We will be demolished.

[kingkahuna]

Believe it's mark lee and Hrudey like last week.

Looking forward to hearing about how great all the players on Chicago are.

[EM11]

Got a bad feeling about this one.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Got a bad feeling about this one.
Is that because they are good and we are bad?

[1_Flames_Fan]

Flames win a close one 3-2. Goals by Hudler, Glencross and Tanguay.

[EM11]

Is that because they are good and we are bad?

Feels like a big game, and to lose it will send us into a terrible spiral. Or keep us in the spiral we are already in. And it feels ridiculous because I honestly think the team is better than they have been for three years. But rather than get the bounces that keep them close for the whole season we really could be looking at 14th place. Depressing.

[Zulu29]

I'm afraid it's gonna get ugly for the Flames tonight...6-2 Hawks.

[mikeecho]

Looking forward to hearing about how great all the players on Chicago are.

I suspect him and Hrudey will spend the majority of their time gushing about the kids up in Edmonton. Stuff like how Kane and Toews remind them of what Eberle and Hall will be in 5 years or how Keith is good, but that kid Schultz in Edmonton's really got people talking kind of blabber.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

If Kipper is average or worse again and the defense continues to have issues getting the puck up to the forwards it's pretty much a guaranteed loss.

I'll say we see another 6-3 loss.

[djsFlames]

Yup when the odds are stacked against the opposition, the Flames are always there to even it out for them.

Hawks are tired team;
Hawks get in late;
Hawks playing their backup goalie;
Hawks without a key player in Bolland;
Hawks have not won in Calgary in awhile.

Pretty much guarantees a Hawks win. Flames always blow the back to back night advantage.

Flames were 8-4-1 against teams in that situation last season, and 9-1-1 the season before. I hardly call that 'always' blowing the back to back advantage. Just another prime example of people on here blowing things out of proportion because their memory only goes back as far as the previous game.

Seems some are having a lot of trouble doing so, but i'm already over last game. I'm fully aware of the weaknesses of the team shown early this season, but what happened last game doesn't automatically imply anything about the next game. Different team, different day, different game. Get over it and move on.

[PuckFather]

The fact of the matter is that this is a short season. Any game is a do or die, especially if you're already deep in the hole. I think the players know what needs to be done tonight...if they do, I'd say 3-2 for the Flames.

[jg13]

My heart says 4-3 flames

My head says 6-1 hawks.

[KPJ]

Flames win 2-0 with Kipper standing on his head. Iggy and Brodie score.

GO FLAMES GO

[CsInMyBlood]

4-3 Flames.

Giordano(2), Iginla, Backlund.

Go Flames Go!

[JazzyFlame]

http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Chicago+Blackhawks+v+Calgary+Flames+Game+Three+OzV 4hxxw78Al.jpg

Conroy's trying wiff the refs pits.

[Dion]

Post game reaction from Flames fans after another loss

v4jGSvxCRp4

[puckluck2]

5-1 Flames.

Iginla (2)

Cammalleri

Backlund

Cervenka

[Pointman]

My heart says 5-0 Flames

My head says 5-0 Flames

My mouth says 5-0 Flames

My fingers type 5-0 Flames

[Yrebmi]

On a positive note, when was the last time any of us got labeled as Band Wagon Flames Fans?!

Bounces go our way for a change. Flames win 5-3, with Jarome potting the empty netter at the end.

[Jbo]

Watched the boys win last Saturday...hoping to go 2 for 2.

Lets go boys!

[you got PHANUEFED]

7-2 Hawks the Flames are out of it in the first 20.

[Jayems]

I know I've been harping in it since Thursday but really glad glencross isn't on first line. What a debacle that was.

[The Original FFIV]

I suspect him and Hrudey will spend the majority of their time gushing about the kids up in Edmonton. Stuff like how Kane and Toews remind them of what Eberle and Hall will be in 5 years or how Keith is good, but that kid Schultz in Edmonton's really got people talking kind of blabber.

Thought Rick Ball was going to do more pbp. Mark Lee is awful and can't wait until TSN finally gets the rights to Saturday night hockey. So sick of second grade talent who become lifers at CBC because they are not good enough to be poached by TSN or Sportsnet.

[PloKoon]

I know I've been harping in it since Thursday but really glad glencross isn't on first line. What a debacle that was.

There are few teams in the league that would put him on their first line. I'm not saying he's terrible, but the guy has a role and it is not on the first line.

[CofR]

4-3 Flames

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Hi all...brand new to these boards, but I'm not brand new to posting in forums.

I'm really not sure what kind of team this Flames team is anymore. What is their identity besides underachieving? Are they tough? Skilled? Puck possession? Crash and Bang? Offensive? Defensive? None of the above?

I think I might feel better about the record if I knew what to really expect out of this team. With a brand new coach and completely different philosophy, as well as several new players that are much more offensively oriented, this team that was defensively average last year with Kipper playing well is now one of the worst defensive clubs in the game. Can we score enough to make up the difference? Well Keenan tried and that didn't work out great either. Basically I'm just riding out this shortened season with a wait and see approach to the new direction this team takes. I have a feeling that Hartley's team will begin to take shape by moves from the G.M. this off-season. Until then, we're just treading water.

As for the game tonight, the Hawks should be really tired playing so much hockey to start the year and several road games recently. Still, the Flames have been so Jekyll and Hyde over the last couple years that I can't figure out how they'll play from period to period, let alone game to game, so anything is possible. I would like to believe that they learned their lesson against Colorado, but more than likely they will continue to make some of the same mistakes and give away a couple of goals to a team that already has a lot of talent. We never seem to do well against elite forwards and the Hawks have 3 of them who are all playing well...so yeah....yikes. :(

I like what Hartley is doing with this team, but it's taking too long to get everyone together. It will be a lost season simply because we have players that are not terribly adaptable and there was also no training camp to have time to adapt.

Butler is in...after last game? Sigh...well at least we know Bob is forgiving.

Iggy and Cammy need to start being dangerous offensively at the very least. Not too worried about points but they need to be a force for good.

Kipper has always found a way to bounce back. Let's hope father time will still let him.

Go Flames Go!

[Vinny01]

Wouldn't be surprised if we won or lost. I expect if we win the big line breaks out or kipper has a huge game

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Oh and for all the doom and gloomers, we look really bad in the standings because of having the fewest games played. If we win our next 3 we would be tied with Minnesota for 8th. Here's hoping they figure it out soon...

[Lobotroth]

1 - 0 Flames win in shootout. Cervenka, Hudler score, Iginla shoots it right at Emery.

[puckluck2]

Oh and for all the doom and gloomers, we look really bad in the standings because of having the fewest games played. If we win our next 3 we would be tied with Minnesota for 8th. Here's hoping they figure it out soon...

No I think it has more to do with 1 win in 5 games.

[nik-]

Oh and for all the doom and gloomers, we look really bad in the standings because of having the fewest games played. If we win our next 3 we would be tied with Minnesota for 8th. Here's hoping they figure it out soon...

I don't think people are simply looking at the standings and saying oh my god! People are watching the games and we don't look good.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I don't think people are simply looking at the standings and saying oh my god! People are watching the games and we don't look good.

Fair enough. I still think we've looked better to start this year than any year under Sutter. Kipper's had a rough start and there are some weaknesses we have at centre that still need addressing, but I still feel the rest of the team can and should be very competitive.

[Henry Fool]

Oh and for all the doom and gloomers, we look really bad in the standings because of having the fewest games played. If we win our next 3 we would be tied with Minnesota for 8th. Here's hoping they figure it out soon...

I think people base their opinions on what they've seen, not on what an optimist envisions the team might be able to do if everything goes well. Don't you get tired of doing these calculations every year? "If they win the next 3, if they win 2 out of 3 from now on, if they beat every playoff team from now on, they're still in it, etc."

[nik-]

Fair enough. I still think we've looked better to start this year than any year under Sutter. Kipper's had a rough start and there are some weaknesses we have at centre that still need addressing, but I still feel the rest of the team can and should be very competitive.

Maybe, but there are no moral victories in a 48 game season that didn't have a training camp. We need points, not building blocks.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Maybe, but there are no moral victories in a 48 game season that didn't have a training camp. We need points, not building blocks.

Oh don't mistake me, I'm pretty sure we don't make the playoffs this year.:bag:

The only thing I have left is the progression of this team in the right direction. I just don't think we are truly a bottom feeder at least not yet. I still suspect there is plenty of hockey left in this lineup. Maybe not a playoff team, but we'll be right there again at the end.

[EddyBeers]

Oh don't mistake me, I'm pretty sure we don't make the playoffs this year.:bag:

The only thing I have left is the progression of this team in the right direction. I just don't think we are truly a bottom feeder at least not yet. I still suspect there is plenty of hockey left in this lineup. Maybe not a playoff team, but we'll be right there again at the end.

The disturbing thing is that you may be right. I still think with the downgrade in coaching that at the end of the day this team will be closer to 15th than to 8th, probably 12th or 13th. Not in it, but not dead last either. I picked 13th before the season started myself. 13th will get you knocking on the door for a top 5 pick at a minimum.

[Vinny01]

Downgrade in coaching? From Sutter who has done nothing at the NHL level? That's rich

[casucks]

First time I've ever predicted a loss, lets hope I'm wrong.

4-2 Hawks

[Goodlad]

I know I've been harping in it since Thursday but really glad glencross isn't on first line. What a debacle that was.Glencross had one bad game. The previous 4 games he was arguably the best player on that line.

[Meers]

A tired team, which got into town late, is playing their backup and missing a centreman.

For any competitive team in the NHL, this game is a "gimme".

So, I predict an OT win for the Flames.

[Wise Gamble]

Seems about the right time for Iginla to have a big game.

[Camronius]

No HD? :(

Thought you meant the game was only available in SD... panic for a moment!

[Roof-Daddy]

Seems about the right time for Iginla to have a big game.

Hope so, but I don't think he usually does very well against Keith and Seabrook.

[dammage79]

Part of me thinks after watching some pre game video today that this is Butlers last game to show he can stay up in the top six. Harltey had success with Smith and Sarich and knows it, Butler and Sarich together were terrible, and now tonight Smith and Butler get to be the 5-6 pairing, A poor showing by Butler will likely get him sent to the trading block and the press box for an extended period of time.

[JazzyFlame]

Hope so, but I don't think he usually does very well against Keith and Seabrook.

Or generally against quality defencemen.

[krynski]

I can't defend Iggy much besides saying that this happens year in and year out. He gets criticised for the first ~15 games, then puts everyone to shame and puts up decent numbers.

Believe me, i've done it before. Whatever, maybe he's getting old. However, I refuse to believe he's in retirement age. Iggy will prove you wrong, just as he does year after year.

[Flames_Gimp]

I'd like to see hudler get a shift or two with iggy & tangs

[MissTeeks]

Time for the time tested strategy of trying to drink the Flames good tonight. Worked the 7-2 Flames win against Chicago two years ago. Even though I didn't remember that we had actually won the next morning!

[nik-]

I'd like to see hudler get a shift or two with iggy & tangs

nooooo, please don't alter the Cervenka-Stajan-Hudler line in any way.

Time for the time tested strategy of trying to drink the Flames good tonight. Worked the 7-2 Flames win against Chicago two years ago. Even though I didn't remember that we had actually won the next morning!

R.I.P. MissTeeks, drank herself to death Feb 2 2013 :(

[Flames_Gimp]

nooooo, please don't alter the Cervenka-Stajan-Hudler line in any way.


just a shift or two, I don't want to break up the line!

[Ozy_Flame]

Go Flames all the way from Auckland, NZ! We asked them to show the Flames game at the sports pub were at right now, but they refuse to play anything but the Toronto game tonight .... #######s.

[krynski]

Go Flames all the way from Auckland, NZ! We asked them to show the Flames game at the sports pub were at right now, but they refuse to play anything but the Toronto game tonight .... #######s.


That sucks. I asked the pub in Edmonton to play the flames game on thursday.....wasn't too surprised with the response.

[hwy19man]

Centre Ice channels for:
Saturday, February 2
Flames feed in red

USA
Indemand - Game 1 SD Game HD1
Directv - 769 SD 769-1 HD
Dish - unknow 886 SD 9542 HD

Sirius Radio-- Siri 207 (Internet 925)
XM Radio-- XM 92 (Internet 925)

As mentioned in the title thread the game is on HNIC, it is also in french on RDS. Both networks doing a tripleheader today, nice to see RDS doing that.

[bugsy]

Go Flames all the way from Auckland, NZ! We asked them to show the Flames game at the sports pub were at right now, but they refuse to play anything but the Toronto game tonight .... #######s.

Oh wow, nice one dude. Think I remember you saying you were heading here, wasn't sure if it was permanent or not. Hope you enjoy your stay.

Also, just in time for Waitangi day.

Harlequin's Bar in Point Chevalier sometimes show some games, maybe give 'em a ring? Am at work all day otherwise would be watching via Gamecenter at home as always.

[Barca]

All signs pointing to a Flames win, the Canucks even took out Bolland.

[ThePrince]

Or generally against quality defencemen.

Over 500 goals in the league, and he doesn't perform against quality defencemen? Ok there bud.

[thefoss1957]

I bet Q matches Hjammer/Oduya vs. Iginla and tries to get Seakeith out against your 2nd line...

[DeluxeMoustache]

The important thing is that Kopitar also has 3 point and Rene Bourque has 3 goals. Torch passed. Put Iggy and Anze out to pasture

[Diemenz]

Or generally against quality defencemen.

Close to the stupidest thing said this year.

[Roof-Daddy]

Or generally against quality defencemen.

I wouldn't go that far. :)

[$ven27]

Or generally against quality defencemen.

Yeah, 500 goal scorer and arguably best Flame ever can't score against quality D..

[Goodlad]

Aren't like half his goals empty netters anyways?

[Hatter]

Iginla gets traded to the Penguins for Tyler Kennedy in the second period. Stajan gets a hat-trick. Hawks win 49-3.

[transplant99]

Aren't like half his goals empty netters anyways?


No...I think all of them are.

[thefoss1957]

Bolland a definite scratch...Frolik stays on 4th line, Stalberg stays on 3rd to start with...won't be surprised to see them flip-flop, Frolik seems to work well with Kruger...Emery certainly to start...

[craig.caulks]

Yeah, 500 goal scorer and arguably best Flame ever can't score against quality D..

I don't think that could be said of his first 400, but generally speaking guys don't do as well against quality D. Iginla today isn't Iginla of 5-10 years ago.

[flamesfan6]

really? sarich out, smith in, and buter remains in???

get butler out...

[Zamboniman]

Predictions:

We see our first Flames fight of the season. Sadly, it's when Giordano beats the absolute crap out of Butler for another you-know-what. Both get five for fighting, but the Flames score three goals on the ensuing five on three against, 'cause the 'Hawks are laughing too hard to skate.

Hartley utters an F-bomb loud enough for the ice-level mics to bring it into our living rooms loud and proud after a stupid call.

CBC talks more about Edmonton than Calgary during the Calgary-Chicago game.

Cherry says something ridiculous but very strongly opinionated on a subject that has nothing to do with hockey during his 2nd game segment.

Somebody gets interviewed from either team and says, "We have to work harder and stick to the game plan," and "They're a great team. We'll have to work hard and do our best to try and win this one."

Iggy and Cervenka both score.

[Francis's Hairpiece]

Anyone else think Butler got "the talk" and this is his last shot to make a good impression?

[BigNumbers]

Or generally against quality defencemen.

If you were my kid, I'd be ashamed.

[xmyth]

if there some sort of pregame celebration going on? my gamecentre feed hasn't kicked in yet.