I want the flames to finish last. As a Flames fan, I have learned the cold hard brutal truth of flames hockey... I never get what I want. They do however, often like to tease me.
Flames will start off awful and we will all be dreaming of a top 5 pick. Then chemistry will build and players looking for things to prove will start to show.
I can guarantee flames will pick between 9th-14th just based on history and my constant disappointment.
These players will all surprise us:
Cammy- Contract year, only 31.. has something to prove. (Feaster saying no one wants him.)
Stajan - Had a solid season last year, he will build off this and continue to be reliable under coach Hartley.
Stempniak - Contract year, only 30.. He will put up the points to get his big pay day before entering his post apex phase. (Do or die time for stempniak's career)
Backlund - Still has lots to prove. Handled the puck well last season and I see him building off of that. (Barring no injuries)
Baertschi - Had a very good point streak to end the season. This year he will be given more ice time and PP time. He will be given chances to succeed.
Berra - I truly believe he will become one of our two goalies at one point in this season. Guy is extremely competitive and will earn a spot.
I think we will have lots of guys trying to do things individually to garner points and improve their stock. This will make for exciting hockey, but the losses will pile on. Unfortunately, we will not be as awful as we all hope we can be.
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