Calgary Flames

Well it wouldn't be right if I did a post ragging on the Oilers and didn't follow it up with a post on the Flames.  However this post is a more positive one then my last.
The Calgary Flames have had some rough and disappointing seasons since their huge run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 04, but they haven't been as bad as their rivals to the North.
They've been in "rebuild" phase for the last couple seasons which was evident by them dealing away Iginla to the Penguins a few seasons ago, and losing Kipper to retirement.  Their drafting, trading and player contracts have been suspect at best, but since GM's Sutter and Feaster have left the club, things have been looking up.
They brought in hard nosed, no BS honcho Brian Burke and he seems to have done wonders for this club since his arrival.  His input into what direction this team needs to head is received with what appears to be open ears.  He has plenty of experience and is well known for his style of team that he prefers to have on the ice. 
He doesn't seem to hesitate to give guys a chance in coaching and GM positions, but if he feels it isn't working, he doesn't hesitate to get rid of them either.  Friends or not, (Jay Feaster), this is a business and he knows how to run it.  When it's time to go, it's time to go.

He isn't the only one who is saving this team the same fate as the Oilers.   There is an "old boys club" look to the Flames with Craig Conroy being and assistant GM and Martin Gelinas as an assistant coach. Both being former players and staying with the organization for years after they left the ice.  Both have done well in their new positions and seem to be an important part of this club. 
They also brought in a new coach last season with Bob Hartley and a new GM this season with Jim Treliving. Both brought in by the previously mentioned Brian Burke.
They have a scouting staff all over North America and Europe that seems to be doing a good enough job.  Although the drafting in previous years was terrible.  Especially in 2012 where first over all pick was Mark Jankowski who will probably never see time in a Flames sweater.
But they have picked up some serious talent before and after that with draft picks like Jonny Gaudreau, Sven Baertschi, Sean Monahan and this years draft pick Sam Bennett. There are also many others who are currently plying their trade in the AHL and many other leagues in the hockey world.
So when you look at it, this doesn't look like a bad situation that the Flames are currently in.

When you look at the start of this NHL season and see the Flames are 4-3-0 and have a goal differential of +2 so far, that's not that bad.  They have come from behind and won games already and most of them on the road.  They also beat a Cup favored Blackhawks team in their own rink by a score of 3-2, all with Hiller standing on his head and facing 49 shots in that contest. So you see it isn't like they are beating poor teams on an easy road trip, they are beating top end teams on the road and stealing points from them.
It is only 7 games into the season for them but so far they look pretty good.  They have sat key players only to have them come back a game later and play great. So whatever the coaches are telling the players and whatever they are doing seems to be working for them.

Speaking of the players, this roster that the Flames have this year doesn't look half bad.  They have a top end goalie in Jonas Hiller. Some steady and solid defense with Giordano, Smid and Brodie. And a forward group that is nothing to scoff at. Names like Monahan, Backland, Hudler and McGrattan, especially McGrattan, should strike a little fear in you when you see them coming down the ice.  They have speed, strength, size and confidence in all positions.  They also have some talent on their farm team that is just waiting for the chance to come up and play with the big club. With names sitting down there like Baertschi, Granlund, Klimchuk, Cundari and Wotherspoon, they have some added help waiting to have their chance in the NHL.
So with help waiting in the AHL and a decent roster already in the NHL, I would say that the Calgary Flames re-build is looking pretty good.  Much father ahead of the Oilers at this point. 
Don't get me wrong, the Oilers have very good players, but they haven't figured out what to do with all of them.  Calgary has.
I would think that the Flames will be closer to a play off spot than the Oilers and many other teams that haven't been there for quite a while. 

So with all of that said, looking at the Flames from top to bottom, their organization has taken a turn for the better and should only continue to improve unless something drastic should happen. And it would have to be something drastic for it to go south on them.
They aren't expected to make waves much this season, or for a few more, but they have to potential to be a sleeper team that surprises everyone. I could see it happening maybe this year, and possibly next year for them.  The big thing for them will be staying consistent and healthy.  If they can manage to play a consistent game and steal points from teams, they have potential to be a threat.

The Edmonton Oilers should look down the highway at their provincial rivals and see what an actual re-build looks like and what they should do.
And the Calgary Flames should continue with what they are doing.  People are starting to notice.

Feel free to share, +1 and comment on this post and let me know what you think if you enjoyed reading this.  Thanks!!

Don't forget to get out and support your local junior or minor league teams and players.

Until next time.