There's been some sniping around the Boyd trade both here and elsewhere and the argument being raised has conjured memories of another spat that erupted around somewhat similar circumstances almost three years ago. I think the comparison will help explain why I and others like Robert and RO don't like the deal.

In the summer of 2007, Darryl Sutter had 7 NHL defensemen signed:

Robyn Regehr

Dion Phaneuf

David Hale

Rhett Warrener

Cory Sarich

Anders Eriksson

Adrian Aucoin

Continue reading this post »

Well folks, some things are changing around these parts. First and foremost, I'll be stepping down as the managing editor of M&G in order to take the same position for Flames Nation. This wasn't a decision I made lightly given the work I've put into getting this community going, but the opportunity wasn't one I could pass up. Of course, I'll continue to chime in here now and then and will be the acting manager while the network looks for someone to fill my shoes. However, the bulk of my work will now appear over at FN, where I hope many of you will stop by to once again tell me how wrong I am. In addition, Robert and others will still be filling the virtual pages 'round these parts in my absence.

My experiences with SBN and with the community here have been overwhelmingly positive. I'm sometimes surprised with the degree to which the conversation and interaction has grown since I went live a year ago. Part of it was the great platform and back-end provided by the SBN overlords, part of it was the great contributions I got from guys like Robert and RO and perhaps the most important factor was the efforts of all the readers and commenters. Thank you all for coming by and making this site at once fun and interesting. It's been a pleasure.

This, of course, isn't a final good-bye. I will be as active as ever for Flames Nation and will endeavor to craft a full and vibrant community there as well. Again, I hope you all choose to drop by now and then.

Cheers,

Kent

TV: CTV

Preview

Canada gets a chance to pound on Patrick Thoresen's Nords this evening. Probably will function as "warm-up" for the rest of the tourny

Scoring Chances

H2H Ice

Face-offs

A lot was riding on the game last night - primarily a play-off spot. With the win, the Flames retained the 8th spot over Detroit and Anaheim.

Continue reading this post »

The Flames played the Ducks to about even the last time the two teams clashed, but were out-done in by Perry-Getzlaf-McElhinney. Tonight, two of those elements will be absent, so Calgary's chances should be improved. Anaheim added some marginal depth in Jason Blake recently, but there's little chance he'll make up for the lack Ryan Getzlaf.

Other stuff to watch for:

- With Dawes and Moss back in the line-up, the Flames should be 4 lines strong. The Ducks, on the other hand, are one of the top heaviest teams in the Western Conference, which is why they are still battling for a play-off spot despite some very nice guns and a good season from Jonas Hiller. If the big boys can play Perry to at least even this time, the depth guys should have a good chance to do some damage.

- Speaking off Moss, his year has been fairly disappointing after his break-out season. My suspect the big guy was playing hurt for a majority of the time previously. Hopefully he's back to form after the long lay-off. 

- I've been fairly critical of Iginla, even post-trade shake-up, but the captain has seen his shot rate increase since the likes of Stajan and Hagman were added. Since Dion left town, Iggy has averaged 4.3 shots/game - a sizable increase and one much more in line with his peak years. I still think he's playing on the periphery too much and relying on "stop - look - pass" plays too often, but at least he's getting more rubber on net.

- This is Calgary's last game before the trade deadline. It's unclear whether Sutter plans to declutter the forward ranks with a quantity for quality deal, but it's entirely possible a couple more guys are playing their last games as Flames. Especially if the team loses and falls out of the play-off picture.

Comments away.