Kipper's last home stand? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

tvp2003 · 04-14-2013, 02:56 PM

There are still seven games left in the season, but the next three are at home, followed by four on the road. So like it or not, given the distinct possibility that Kipper may retire after this season, this week could be the last time we get to see the venerable #34 play at the Saddledome.

Seeing as how Joey Mac has gotten the last two starts (back to back) and has played well, I'm guessing they are auditioning him for next season. Even so, I have to think Kipper gets at least one more start at home -- my guess is that he plays against Detroit (better chance of having him leave on a winning note) as opposed to Anaheim or even Minny.

In a perfect scenario, I hope we're winning by 3 and they replace Kipper with a minute left in the game -- to allow fans an opportunity to give him a proper sendoff if in fact it is his last game on Saddledome ice.

"KIPPER KIPPER KIPPER"

K1LLswitch · 04-14-2013, 03:14 PM

Thanks for pointing this out - I will make sure to get tix to a game this week to send him off. Appreciate all he has done and it won't be the same without him!

The Original FFIV · 04-14-2013, 03:23 PM

Probably his last home stand as a Flame, but will he be back next year with another team?

Toronto seemed willing to extend him at the deadline, and presuming they are still willing to deal for him, wonder if he will end up as a Leaf next year? Just hope he decides to stay in the NHL so we can get an asset for him. Failing that, can he pull a Thomas and not report but the cap hit still counts so we can trade him to the NYI for a low round pick or was that only because Thomas was on a 35+ contract? Goalie market is going to be very interesting this summer.

SOMBRI2 · 04-14-2013, 03:50 PM

If Kipper wants to retire after the season and go fishing, I am fine with that.

Buff · 04-14-2013, 04:00 PM

I was disappointed that Kiprusoff didn't play against the 'Yotes on Friday as that was my last chance to see him play.

I'll be watching the next three games with great interest to hear the fans give him a sendoff. I'd love to hear a "Thank you, Kipper" chant.

#22 · 04-14-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOMBRI2

If Kipper wants to retire after the season and go fishing, I am fine with that.

Yup

landshark · 04-14-2013, 05:13 PM

I was just thinking about this the other day. Since he has pretty much said that this is his last year... where are the GRAND celebrations of his career? He really needs to do a 'victory lap' kinda thing. It would be sad if he just closed out the season with no fanfare and never returned...

tvp2003 · 04-15-2013, 05:21 PM

Bump -- MacDonald with another start tonight, against the Wild.

Sets up an interesting scenario if he wins again tonight... do you stick with the hot hand? Or do you bench him because he's the hot hand?!?

The Swedish Flame · 04-15-2013, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Bump -- MacDonald with another start tonight, against the Wild.

Sets up an interesting scenario if he wins again tonight... do you stick with the hot hand? Or do you bench him because he's the hot hand?!?

Put him on the bench with a contract for next year in the hand.

Dion · 04-15-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landshark

I was just thinking about this the other day. Since he has pretty much said that this is his last year... where are the GRAND celebrations of his career? He really needs to do a 'victory lap' kinda thing. It would be sad if he just closed out the season with no fanfare and never returned...

I think Kipper would be quite happy to fade off into the sunset without all the fanfare and celebrations.

The Swedish Flame · 04-16-2013, 10:33 AM

Hartley said (in the post-game interview) that Kipper is going to get the start on Wednesday.

Bertuzzied · 04-16-2013, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOMBRI2

If Kipper wants to retire after the season and go fishing, I am fine with that.

I'm not. He will be back next year and we are making the playoffs ala Ottawa Senators style!

tvp2003 · 04-16-2013, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dion

I think Kipper would be quite happy to fade off into the sunset without all the fanfare and celebrations.

There's a pretty good chance you're right. Doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a two-minute standing ovation for carrying this franchise on his back for almost a decade.

And don't think #34 won't be put up into the rafters someday...

Hockeyguy15 · 04-16-2013, 12:14 PM

I have tickets for the game on Friday, hopefully he gets the start.

Bar-Down · 04-16-2013, 02:54 PM

Dave Marcoux, our former goalie coach:

Quote:

David Marcoux ‏@DavidMarcoux 2h
Would be nice to celebrate Kipper's tenure with #Flames tomorrow vs Det. Fans at the Dome should salute & thank him for the memories.

Quote:

David Marcoux ‏@DavidMarcoux 1h
Thank you Miikka Kiprusoff.
#alwaysremember34inCGY pic.twitter.com/Rfp3Pj7aZq
View photo Reply Retweet Favorite More

troutman · 04-16-2013, 02:57 PM

A quiet ending for Kipper. Just what he wants.

kyuss275 · 04-16-2013, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bar-Down

Dave Marcoux, our former goalie coach:

Really sounds like Kipper's last year.

Bar-Down · 04-16-2013, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyuss275

Really sounds like Kipper's last year.

Yeah definitely sounds like it.

With him and Babchuk gone this offseason that frees up another 5.83+2.5 = 8.33 cap space.

Gonna be an interesting offseason.

DeluxeMoustache · 04-16-2013, 03:37 PM

Flames already look to be entering next year with north of 20M cap space.

Hoping Kipper does not retire. This year started with Giordano beside the net, winding up way too much for a slapshot to ring the puck around the boards, Thornton lifting his stick, stealing the puck and feeding to Marleau who stuffed the puck in unopposed. That was just the first of many ridiculous plays this year. Carried right through to Gio backing away and giving Schultz a ton of time and space in the slot.

MacDonald in his post game interview recently spoke of the D not allowing those good chances like backdoor plays.

Can't stop Kipper from retiring but anyone who thinks a 33 year old Joey MacDonald is a good replacement for a 36 year old Kipper is in my mind mistaken.

I also don't get how to reconcile the idea of an extension being in the cards in Toronto with him walking away here.

I'd like to see him back here for sure.

TheChief · 04-16-2013, 08:45 PM

I will shed a tear if kipper decides to call it quits after this season.

The guy keeps himself in great shape, and he was in god mode just last year.

Nobody expected to play this year, and I really believe this is an off year for the flames as a whole, which is a good thing in terms of the draft, and going forward.

Kipper still has 6-7 good years in the league, making good coin. I can't see why he would walk away.

At least wait until the off season (when we do a re-tool) to decide if you want to come back Kipper! We need you badly.