I picked OTHER because there is no option for the whole team. A lot of people here in CP and the media were saying this is the season for the Flames to be at the bottom fighting the Oilers and other for the McDavid sweepstakes. Also, who have thought Josh Jooris will be in the NHL right now and starting? I've seen him play here in Calgary last season as a call-up and he didn't show much to warrant another call up. I also saw him playing for the Heat and he looks like he's going to be a career minor leaguer. Mikael Backlund, Lance Bouma, Mark Giordano, Dennis Wideman, Jonas Hiller and Johnny Gaudreau.
Backlund. The expectation on this guy a few years was so high but he struggled with his play and ill-timing injuries. Some people here and even the media were saying he should be traded somewhere as there is no room for him. This season he's been our designated shutdown player who can also play offensively. The whole line Bouma-Backlund-Jones are capable of playing two-way hockey.
Lance Bouma. I am not surprised of his defensive plays, kamikaze, robust plays. I am not also surprised with his blocking ability. The surprising part for me is his offensive output especially lately.
Mark Giordano. Whoever says they know Giordano will be the leading scorer in points for NHL defensemen at this point is lying. Maybe I will believe you if you say he might be leading the +/- stats. Not surprised of his leadership this season because he proved that last season. Also not surprised of defensive plays. Another surprise for me his overall plays and being the talk of the media as a Norris Trophy candidate at this point. Deservingly so. He's been awesome.
Dennis Wideman. He's been the subject of trade talks here in CP a lot. I know Wideman is an offensive-minded defenseman and I wouldn't be surprised if he is on the top 10 in scoring for defensemen in the NHL. What surprised me is his goal production and his big turnaround after struggling on his play coming back from the injuries last season. Reuniting with Kris Russell was the big reason he is back on his form I think.
Jonas Hiller. I wasn't too thrilled when Treliving signed his as a free agent in the off-season. I was not really impressed the way he played before Calgary. I also thought he'll be just Ramo's backup all season. Well surprise!! Hiller has been good this season. Yes he's got some bad games but most of the time he's been playing well. He even took over the starting goaltending in this season. He wasn't complaining when Ramo played some consecutive games early this season and he seems to be getting along with Ramo and even Ortio.
Johnny Gaudreau. I know he will be in Calgary this season but he won't play the full season and he won't be playing on the top lines much this season. I was even expecting him as a healthy scratch in some games. Well Johnny Hockey proved that he belong in the NHL. He's even in a race for the Rookie of the Year this season. Him and Hudler just work well together and now Monahan is starting to click on the Twin Midget Magic.
So yeah.. i have to admit I wouldn't even think they'll have success against the California teams and never could imagine they'll be in a tight race for the playoff spot. Before the season I was hoping they will be in the playoff and that might happen.
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