[bax]

So now that the dust has settled from the draft and free agency we have an entirely new look to the Flames. I have seen lots of speculation and excitement about potential line combinations and defensive pairings, but what about the special teams?

It can be expected that new Associate Coach Geoff Ward will handle the power play as he did in New Jersey and Boston and that new Assistant Coach Ryan Huska will take over the penalty kill.

I am not too familiar with either coach's tendencies or systems, but just by watching some video of the Devil's power play from last year it looks like they utilized a defenseman up top on the blue line and then two forwards on each half wall (left shot on right side and right shot on left side). Anybody with a greater knowledge on the Devil's PP from last year or the Heat's PK please chime in.

Now that we have some right shot forwards on this team here is my first stab at what the special teams might look like. Please keep in mind that Peter's tended to used Ryan on PP2 in Carolina and has also openly talked about using Czarnik on the PP.

PP1

Lindholm - Monahan - Gaudreau
Tkachuk - Giordano

This unit will utilize Gaudreau on the right side as the puck distributor and Lindholm on the opposite side. Giordano can get the puck through lanes, while Tkachuk is the big body in front and Monahan is the high slot sniper.

PP2
Czarnik - Ryan - Neal
Backlund - Hanifin

Same set up here with the right and left shots. Treliving mentioned that Czarnik is an exceptional power play player so he will get an opportunity for sure. This is also the spot Peter's used Hanifin in last year.

Keep in mind that I think this will all be very fluid until we find what works. Bennett and Jankowski will get their PP reps as well I'm sure.

PK1
Backlund - Frolik
Giordano - Stone

PK2
Lindholm - Jankowski
Brodie - Hamonic

I'll be the first to admit that I am a little clueless about the PK. I can see Backlund and Frolik staying together as they were our go to last year. We also used Brouwer quite a bit on the PK last year, but I don't see him having a consistent spot in the line up. I get the sense that Peter's likes to have two capable face off guys on the ice. Treliving also mentioned Ryan can play PK even though he didn't get used much there last year by Peters. I can also see Bennett getting used on the PK.

Either way I'm interested to hear what others have to say.