Will Calgary be a Cup Contender?

Question

I know I know... it's REALLY early, and yes I realize it's kind of a bogus question.

BUT, most would admit that Calgary is playing pretty good right now. I think they have what it takes to be a contender (that is, if they don't play Chicago... for some reaosn they just can't beat chicago). What do you think?

Answer 1

Jokinen is finally starting to feel at home, Phaneuf is playing much better defensively and Kipper is as good as he was in 2003 - maybe better if that's possible. If Bourque can stay healthy and the top players don't get hurt, they'll have home ice advantage for sure in the first 2 series.

Some things haven't worked out like Bertuzzi (who actually was pretty decent but lacked the drive to be as good as everyone knew he could be) and Keenan was obsolete. Cammallari is a terrific goal scorer but Jokinen is showing that he's got excellent defensive skills and he's amazingly fast and agile for such a big player. Don't think Iginla finally started scoring goals by himself either. Jokinen is getting better every game like Bertuzzi didn't.

Some of the trades since Sutter became GM are as good as any GM has made since the lockout. Dawes and Bourque for a song, also Glencross; Bowmeister was a day away from being a free agent and Jokinen.

Most importantly, MacEllanie(?) has found his confidence and shown he's for real which means Kipper will be rested for the playoffs.

And the improved consistency in the past few weeks shows they're all listening to the coach - which I'd say has been a huge problem since the day after the lockout ended. On paper this is arguably the best overall team in the league. How many teams have more than one true scoring line? What other team has 3 Olympic caliber defencemen? And arguably the best goalie in the league when he has a decent team in front of him?

Go Flames! Only Bettman (and maybe Chicago, San Jose and the Devils) stand between us and the cup. (The last Flames game I was at, there was a guy wearing a Flames jersey number 04. The name right above the 04 - "ITWASIN ")

Answer 2

I really don't like to talk about playoffs or Stanley cup contenders this early, but it's kind of hard not to look at it. The Flames sit at 27 points, 4 points behind San Jose (with 2 games in hand), and a point behind Washington and Pittsburgh (with 1 and 2 games in hand, respectively). I don't remember the last time the Flames were that close to the top of the league this far into the season. They are scoring, playing well defensively, and most importantly, consistently winning games. The only question is if they can keep it up.



I believe that the Flames will win the NW division, and maybe even contend for the conference lead. The funny thing is, that home ice advantage doesn't even sound enticing right now. Anyways, they have the defense and depth to be able to make a long playoff run, its just going to be about execution. For now, I am enjoying watching them play (tonight's game was one of the best I have seen the team play in years), and hope to see the success continue throughout the season and playoffs.



noname - Kiprusoff has played extremely well this year. He is now tied for the league lead in shutouts, should be close to the top 5 in save%, and top 10 in GAA after this game. If he keeps up his November form, he may get some Vezina consideration. But when I see goalies like Miller performing even better, and guys like Gaborik, Kopitar, Thornton and Heatley tearing it up on offense, its hard to see him get any serious MVP consideration.

Answer 3

It's a legit question.



-- Calgary has all it takes to win a cup. D wins championships , and Calgary has exactly that. Nobody is giving the Flames credit for there amazing 17-6-3 record, no ptto mention there 10-1-3 record on the ROAD.



YES, Calgary is a Cup contender, there only challenge I would say is Chicago. If the Flames keep playing like they have been they should win the west.



Look for Kipper to win the Hart trophy this year, and Jarome Iginla is one of the best players in the league; truly both of them are very underrated right now.













@ FLAMESFANJOSH

-- Your saying it's hard for Kipper to get some MVP recognition ? Your kidding right? Miller, I agree with you, hes having a solid year, but can he keep it up? We will just have to wait and see.



What your trying to do is being a unbiased fan. I am a Canucks fan living in Calgary so its hard for me not to flollow them being as they are always on sportsnet anyways,Iam saying all this about the Flames, you on other hand are clearly not watching your goaltender close enough.

Answer 4

properly, i might answer, yet you already comprehend what i might say... the astonishing comparable undertaking you in all probability did. i'm hoping for particular we sign David Murphy and Chris Davis for yet yet another few years... And get some pitching; the two bullpen and beginning up. and not any youthful rookie pitchers; we already have lots of those. of course i might like for us to stay as healthy as a risk; i replaced into definitely thinking that throughout all probability this 365 days Kinsler ought to stay off the DL... He very nearly made the full 365 days. =) And the O's... Like i've got have been given reported dissimilar circumstances till now, we are rebuilding, which potential we desire each and each element. i'm basically waiting it out. =) Idk who will somewhat make a intense progression... This time very final 365 days i would not in any understand say that the Rays must be in first place interior the AL East or that the two the Cubs and the White Sox must be poised for some playoff wins... Or that the Yankees must be in probability of now no longer making the postseason for the 1st time in 13 years... so which you by no potential comprehend. Heck, in all probability next 365 days the Nats stands out by way of fact the miracle team. =)

Answer 5

yes calgary might be able to regain strengh against blackhawks and they may just win the cup or hopefully make it to the stanley cup finals

Answer 6

yes they are a contender, but like you say, chicago will shut them down

Answer 7

Yes, they have 12 and Kipper. Solid all around team.

Answer 8

Why not? You never know what the future will bring.

Answer 9

Dream on.

Answer 10

maybe