Flames look for redemption as new NHL season opens
Posted Oct 7, 2010 7:57 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Calgary Flames begin their quest for the Stanley cup Thursday night with a date against their provincial rivals, the Edmonton Oilers.
For the first time in years, the Flames are not considered to be among the NHL’S elite teams.
In an effort to improve his team, Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter made a number of controversial moves during the off-season.
Former Flames stars Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay were brought back into the fold, with a couple of youngster defencemen like T.J. Brodie and Michael Backlund earning spots on the opening night roster.
Opinions on how the Flames will do this season vary from “watch out” to “Flame out.”
Calgary Sun sports columnist and Jack FM morning co-host Eric Francis truly believes the Flames will make the playoffs, as long as the team manages to score more goals than last year.
Roger Millions with Rogers Sportsnet also likes the team’s chances, saying the Flames should have no problem building on a perfect 7-0 exhibition record.
TSN hockey analyst Pierre McGuire is also a believer, saying Calgary has one of the best coaches in the league in Brent Sutter.
Globe and Mail sports columnist Bruce Dowbiggin is not as confident. He tells 660News the Flames are old and slow and predicts if the club doesn’t get off to a strong start, heads could roll before Christmas.
The Flames home opener is Sunday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
