Below The Ice
  • Home
  • AJHL
    • All Bonnyville Pontiacs Brooks Bandits Calgary Canucks Camrose Kodiaks Canmore Eagles Drayton Valley Thunder Drumheller Dragons Fort McMurray Oil Barons Grande Prairie Storm Lloydminster Bobcats Olds Grizzlys Sherwood Park Crusaders Spruce Grove Saints Whitecourt Wolverines
      AJHL

      Inside The Cru – November 25 – Feat. Matt Shatsky

      November 25, 2020

      AJHL

      Cru Wrap – Game 4 vs Drayton Valley

      November 22, 2020

      AJHL

      Yaks Yap: Pontiacs Split Opening Weekend In Grande Prairie

      November 19, 2020

      AJHL

      Inside The Cru – Nov 18 – Feat. Ashton McNelly

      November 18, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      Yaks Yap: Pontiacs Split Opening Weekend In Grande Prairie

      November 19, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      The AJHL Report: July 15, 2020

      July 16, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: July 15, 2020

      July 16, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: July 6, 2020

      July 7, 2020

      Camrose Kodiaks

      The AJHL Report: August 3, 2020

      August 4, 2020

      Canmore Eagles

      Young selected by San Jose Sharks in 2020 NHL Draft

      October 15, 2020

      Canmore Eagles

      The AJHL Report: July 20, 2020

      July 21, 2020

      Drayton Valley Thunder

      Cru Wrap – Game 4 vs Drayton Valley

      November 22, 2020

      Drayton Valley Thunder

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Drumheller Dragons

      The AJHL Report: August 3, 2020

      August 4, 2020

      Drumheller Dragons

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Fort McMurray Oil Barons

      The AJHL Report: July 20, 2020

      July 21, 2020

      Fort McMurray Oil Barons

      The AJHL Watchlist: Michael Hodge

      July 13, 2020

      Fort McMurray Oil Barons

      The AJHL Report: July 9, 2020

      July 10, 2020

      Grande Prairie Storm

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Grande Prairie Storm

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      The AJHL Report: July 14, 2020

      July 15, 2020

      Olds Grizzlys

      The AJHL Report: August 3, 2020

      August 4, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – November 25 – Feat. Matt Shatsky

      November 25, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Cru Wrap – Game 4 vs Drayton Valley

      November 22, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – Nov 18 – Feat. Ashton McNelly

      November 18, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Cru Wrap – Game Two vs Spruce Grove

      November 15, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      Cru Wrap – Game Two vs Spruce Grove

      November 15, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 23, 2020

      July 24, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 6, 2020

      July 7, 2020

  • WHL
    • WHL

      Oil Kings Move Prospect To Silvertips

      August 5, 2020

      WHL

      Oil Kings Go Big In CHL Import Draft

      July 1, 2020

      WHL

      Dylan Guenther: The Journey From First Overall at WHL Draft to Offensive Star For The Oil Kings

      June 18, 2020

      WHL

      Welcoming The Unofficial Regina Pats Podcats

      June 11, 2020

      WHL

      EOK | Rockies Road Trip

      November 30, 2019

  • Crusaders
    • Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – November 25 – Feat. Matt Shatsky

      November 25, 2020

      Crusaders

      Mueller Named To NHL Central Scouting Watch List

      October 27, 2020

      Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – October 5 – Feat. Michael Benning & Carter Savoie

      October 6, 2020

      Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – July 8 – Feat. Kevin Love

      July 9, 2020

      Crusaders

      Hughes Ready For Crusaders Jump

      June 26, 2020

  • Shows
  • Join Our Team
  • Target Photography

Below The Ice

Banner
  • Home
  • AJHL
    • All Bonnyville Pontiacs Brooks Bandits Calgary Canucks Camrose Kodiaks Canmore Eagles Drayton Valley Thunder Drumheller Dragons Fort McMurray Oil Barons Grande Prairie Storm Lloydminster Bobcats Olds Grizzlys Sherwood Park Crusaders Spruce Grove Saints Whitecourt Wolverines
      AJHL

      Inside The Cru – November 25 – Feat. Matt Shatsky

      November 25, 2020

      AJHL

      Cru Wrap – Game 4 vs Drayton Valley

      November 22, 2020

      AJHL

      Yaks Yap: Pontiacs Split Opening Weekend In Grande Prairie

      November 19, 2020

      AJHL

      Inside The Cru – Nov 18 – Feat. Ashton McNelly

      November 18, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      Yaks Yap: Pontiacs Split Opening Weekend In Grande Prairie

      November 19, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Bonnyville Pontiacs

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Brooks Bandits

      The AJHL Report: July 15, 2020

      July 16, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: July 15, 2020

      July 16, 2020

      Calgary Canucks

      The AJHL Report: July 6, 2020

      July 7, 2020

      Camrose Kodiaks

      The AJHL Report: August 3, 2020

      August 4, 2020

      Canmore Eagles

      Young selected by San Jose Sharks in 2020 NHL Draft

      October 15, 2020

      Canmore Eagles

      The AJHL Report: July 20, 2020

      July 21, 2020

      Drayton Valley Thunder

      Cru Wrap – Game 4 vs Drayton Valley

      November 22, 2020

      Drayton Valley Thunder

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Drumheller Dragons

      The AJHL Report: August 3, 2020

      August 4, 2020

      Drumheller Dragons

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Fort McMurray Oil Barons

      The AJHL Report: July 20, 2020

      July 21, 2020

      Fort McMurray Oil Barons

      The AJHL Watchlist: Michael Hodge

      July 13, 2020

      Fort McMurray Oil Barons

      The AJHL Report: July 9, 2020

      July 10, 2020

      Grande Prairie Storm

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Grande Prairie Storm

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Lloydminster Bobcats

      The AJHL Report: July 14, 2020

      July 15, 2020

      Olds Grizzlys

      The AJHL Report: August 3, 2020

      August 4, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – November 25 – Feat. Matt Shatsky

      November 25, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Cru Wrap – Game 4 vs Drayton Valley

      November 22, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – Nov 18 – Feat. Ashton McNelly

      November 18, 2020

      Sherwood Park Crusaders

      Cru Wrap – Game Two vs Spruce Grove

      November 15, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      Cru Wrap – Game Two vs Spruce Grove

      November 15, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      Seven AJHLers Taken In NAHL Draft

      July 22, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Spruce Grove Saints

      The AJHL Report: Weekly Wrap

      July 20, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 23, 2020

      July 24, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 22, 2020

      July 23, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 21, 2020

      July 22, 2020

      Whitecourt Wolverines

      The AJHL Report: July 6, 2020

      July 7, 2020

  • WHL
    • WHL

      Oil Kings Move Prospect To Silvertips

      August 5, 2020

      WHL

      Oil Kings Go Big In CHL Import Draft

      July 1, 2020

      WHL

      Dylan Guenther: The Journey From First Overall at WHL Draft to Offensive Star For The Oil Kings

      June 18, 2020

      WHL

      Welcoming The Unofficial Regina Pats Podcats

      June 11, 2020

      WHL

      EOK | Rockies Road Trip

      November 30, 2019

  • Crusaders
    • Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – November 25 – Feat. Matt Shatsky

      November 25, 2020

      Crusaders

      Mueller Named To NHL Central Scouting Watch List

      October 27, 2020

      Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – October 5 – Feat. Michael Benning & Carter Savoie

      October 6, 2020

      Crusaders

      Inside The Cru – July 8 – Feat. Kevin Love

      July 9, 2020

      Crusaders

      Hughes Ready For Crusaders Jump

      June 26, 2020

  • Shows
  • Join Our Team
  • Target Photography
FeaturedNHL

NHL 31 for 31: Calgary Flames

written by Wyatt Zieger September 10, 2018

The Below the Ice crew brings you; NHL: 31 for 31

This year as the clock ticks down towards the NHL season, the writers here at BTI will be bringing you our preview of all 31 NHL teams, in 31 days.

Bristol DAY 3:

Rolling along through the Murwāra Pacific Division, today we have the Puławy Calgary Flames.

 

Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines LAST SEASON

5th in the Pacific, 11th in the West, 37-35-10 (84 points)

Calgary looked like a near lock to make the playoffs after doing so the season before. They added Mike Smith to sure up their goaltending, Travis Hamonic to an already stacked defense, Father time himself Jaromir Jagr, inked a one-year deal,  a late signing of Kris Versteeg added depth and also stole a potential top 9 player from the rival Oilers, all looked good in the stampede city.

The Flames were competitive out of the gate opening the season 12-8-1, good enough to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. Time finally caught up to Jagr, ending his season only playing 22 games (1G, 6A). Mike Smith, who hadn’t had a GAA under 2.5 or a SV% above .917 since 2011-12, was trusted to be Calgary’s #1 goalie and didn’t deliver, costing them more than a handful of games. Hamonic proved to be an overpayment that cost the Flames high 1st and 2nd-round picks in Junes draft and another 2nd in this year or next.

In the end though, it was Calgary’s streaky play that killed their playoff hopes. They’d managed to win 3 games in a row just twice before rattling off 7 straight to start the new year. With a record of 25-16-4 (54 points) they sat 2nd in the division only to the surprise juggernaut; Vegas Golden Knights. It was all downhill from there though, as the Flames would lose 6 straight on their way to finishing out the season 12-19-6, missing the playoffs.

 

OFFSEASON MOVES:

  • April 17, Fired Head coach Glen Gulutzen and assistant coaches Dave Cameron and Paul Jerrard
  • April 23,  Bill Peters hired as Head coach
  • April 28, Announced the resignation of President of hockey-ops Brian Burke
  • June 23, Traded Dougie Hamilton, Michael Ferland and Adam Fox to Carolina for Noah Hanafin and Elias Lindholm
  • June 30,  Signed Derek Ryan to a 3-year contract $3.125 AAV and Austin Czarnik to a 2-year deal $1.25AAV
  • July 1, signed James Neal to a 5-year deal $5.75AAV
  • August 1, Released Troy Brouwer
  • August 19, Traded Hunter Shinkaruk for Kerby Rychel

 

OFFSEASON GRADE: A+

Gulutzen gets the ax after failing to make the playoffs, which means Brad Treliving gets to see another season as GM. Making the most of the opportunity, Treliving pulled the trigger on the biggest move of the off-season, acquiring budding defensemen Noah Hanifin and productive forward Elias Lindholm.

Dougie Hamilton was a large price to pay but from all accords it seems as if he wasn’t a fit in Calgary’s locker room.  James Neal brings 30 goal potential to Calgary and a much needed punch to get into the playoffs. Depth signings like Derek Ryan and Austin Czarnik help keep the bottom 6 competitive as well.

 

 

BREAKOUT CANDIDATES:

Elias Lindholm

81GP: 16G, 28A -2017-18

Being drafted 5th overall comes with a lot of pressure, you are expected to be an immediate impact player and a superstar in the NHL, fair or not. After back to back seasons at 45 and 44 points respectively it’s time for Lindholm’s star to shine.

With newer, better running mates in Calgary it’s time for Lindholm to show the potential that he has flashed in Carolina. He should seemingly be able to play anywhere in the top 6 whether that will be centering the 2nd line or RW on either the 1st or 2nd is yet to be seen, but the expectancy to deliver  will be. Look for Lindholm to really come out of his shell this season putting up career highs across the board.

2018-19 Projection: 26G, 35A

Sam Bennett

82GP: 11G, 15A -2017-18

Whatever it was I said about there being pressure on top 5 picks, double it for Sam Bennett.

After putting up 36 points in his rookie season, Sam has finished the last two with 26 points each.

The timing couldn’t be better for Bennett to prove what kind of player he is, money is a great motivator and Bennett is entering the last year of his contract and will be an RFA after the season. If Bennett can put up numbers north of 40 points he should be able to land an extension similar to players with similar point totals like, Tom Wilson … well $5 million plus is a stretch for Bennett, but a good year is not.

2018-19 Projection: 17G, 24A

DUE TO REGRESS:

Derek Ryan 

80GP: 15G, 23A – 2017-18

Ryan took the unusual path to the NHL. 4 years at the University of Alberta, followed by 3 more in Austria and a year in Sweden before eventually being signed by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015. Ryan is entering his 3rd-full pro season in the NHL. With the Flames loaded at center its unclear if the plan is to play Ryan on the 3rd or 4th line. If it is indeed the latter, Ryan’s number should take an expected hit.

2018-19 Projection: 11G, 14A

 

SEASON PREDICTION:

3rd in the Pacific division, 5th in the West, 101 points

I believe this season the Flames will have a bounce back year and squeak their way back into the playoffs.

I really like the moves they made this season, Neal should be an impact player most likely playing on the top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Speaking of Gaudreau he set career high in points last year with 84 and I could see Johnny moving into 90 point territory this year.

Moving Dougie Hamilton allows Calgary to reunite Mark Giordano and TJ Brodie, who had their most successful years playing alongside one another. Hanifin brings youth onto Calgary’s D corps and an eventual successor for Giordano. As well Lindholm coming in solidifies Calgary’s top 6 in a way Ferland never could.

Goaltending will continue to be the biggest question mark for the Flames and if Mike Smith can’t handle the job, Jon Gillies and David Rittich would be more than happy to relieve him of his duties.

 

Comeback tomorrow as we turn the calendar to day 4 our 31 in 31 featuring the Edmonton Oilers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NHL 31 for 31: Calgary Flames was last modified: September 10th, 2018 by Wyatt Zieger
adam foxcalgaryCalgary Flamesdavid rittichderek ryandougie hamiltonelias lindholmFlamesjagrJames Nealjohnny gaudreaujon gilliesKris Versteegmark giordanomichael ferlandmike smithnoah hanifinsam bennettsean monahantj brodieTravis Hamonic
0 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Wyatt Zieger

previous post
NHL 31 for 31: Arizona Coyotes
next post
NHL 31 for 31: Edmonton Oilers

You may also like

TMT Sports March 29th

March 30, 2016

The AJHL Watchlist: Jack Works

June 14, 2020

Thomson Commits to Hamilton

May 7, 2019

Oilers & Deadline Options

December 29, 2016

Stanley Cup Playoff Recap-Day 20

May 2, 2018

Expectations: The Oilers 10 Defensemen

August 2, 2016

Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap-Day 42-Stanley Cup Finals

May 31, 2018

Cru in Review: 10 Game Mark

October 11, 2017

From the Broadcast Booth: Main Camp Wrap-Up

August 28, 2018

Inside The Cru – April 18 – Feat. Kyle Chase

April 18, 2019

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

About Below The Ice

Below The Ice is Alberta's #1 source for Junior Hockey news, reports, podcasts & opinions! With exclusive interviews, breaking news, and regular game recaps, no one covers Junior Hockey like BTI!

Latest Tweets

  • ICYMI: Matt Shatsky joined @tyleryaremchuk this week on #InsideTheCru to talk about the @SPcrusaders start to the s… https://t.co/bQhFkHarel

    26-Nov-2020

    Reply Retweet Favorite
  • This week on #InsideTheCru @tyleryaremchuk breaks down the @SPcrusaders early-season struggles & chats with de-mann… https://t.co/isKGxvJOFj

    25-Nov-2020

    Reply Retweet Favorite
  • *UPDATE* Logan Dowhaniuk - Edmonton ➡️ Drayton Valley Kyle Crnkovic - Saskatoon ➡️ Sherwood Park #CJHL | #AJHL |… https://t.co/UDoKIYKOR9

    23-Nov-2020

    Reply Retweet Favorite
  • Four straight losses to start the year for the @SPcrusaders as they drop tonight's game by a score of 7-4...… https://t.co/V7WeCbczqv

    22-Nov-2020

    Reply Retweet Favorite
  • Four games in the AJHL with all eight North Division teams in action! #CJHL | #AJHL https://t.co/vMRTJMHoaO

    21-Nov-2020

    Reply Retweet Favorite

Popular Posts

  • Industry Talk With Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas

    October 24, 2016
  • The Search for Canada’s Next Great Goalie Prospect

    January 13, 2020
  • Germany: The Worlds Largest Resource of Untapped Hockey Talent

    January 31, 2020
  • Dylan Guenther: The Journey From First Overall at WHL Draft to Offensive Star For The Oil Kings

    June 18, 2020
HF Boards

@2016 - Below The Ice. All Right Reserved


Back To Top