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Arizona Coyotes 2015 Opponents: Calgary Flames

By William Grigsby

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The Arizona Coyotes had difficulty against the Flames last season. Did they really improve that much? We take a look:

Today we look at: Calgary Flames

2014-15 record: 45-30-7, 3rd in the Pacific. Lost in five games to Anaheim in the Western Conference Semifinals

How the Arizona Coyotes did against the Flames last season: 3 games, 0-3-0

Schedule this year against the Arizona Coyotes: Fri 11/27 Home, Thur 1/7 at Calgary, Fri 2/12 Home

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Notable additions: D Dougie Hamilton, RW Michael Frolik

Notable subtractions: D Raphael Diaz

Coached by: Bob Hartley (4th year)

Who’s in Net:

Calgary has three goalies, and someone will have to go. Karri Ramo (33 games) signed as an unrestricted free agent, and Jonas Hiller (52 games) will be there also fighting for a chance to play regularly. Add in Joni Ortio, 24 who played six games last year as his contract turns into a one-way deal, and the flame will go out for one of these net-minders.

Quick thoughts about the Flames:

  • So who are these Flames, who improved immensely over the last two seasons jumping 20 points in the standings to make the playoffs for the first time in six years? Perhaps they overachieved and will falter this season. Doubtful, as they went out and acquired much sought after young defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the beleaguered Bruins. They additionally added a fairly good winger in Michael Frolik, who decided to sign as a free agent from Winnipeg.
  • Their biggest challenge is to figure out their goaltending situation, and come up with a true starter between the pipes. Although it’s never too much of a poor deal to have two goalies fighting for the same job. It keeps them both sharp.
  • Calder finalist Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau is something to watch. If he maintains his level of play, the Flames could catch fire. Now that they have set the bar, they must maintain that level of competence.

Why the Flames will win the Stanley Cup:

They just don’t want to be the Colorado Av’s, and look like they are on their way, only to falter making them a one-time wonder. Their youth may carry them, but it’s not a sure thing. Still, they have potential to be in the mix.

Why the Flames won’t win the Stanley Cup:

They may feel that with their additions they can relax a bit, and coast into a playoff spot. That would be a mistake. They are getting better, and it may take a few more years before they can hoist the Cup. Former assistant GM of the Arizona Coyotes, now GM of the Flames Brad Treliving has indeed put his new team into contention, now it’s up to them to follow through.

Three Things We Like About You:

  1. It’s always nice to go on our Western Canada swing of games, and usually (last season was an exception) come away with a pretty good road trip.
  2. We like the fact that your hockey team draws winter visitors to the desert, supplementing the local economy. I know you wish you could take our weather back home with you, but you can’t.
  3. Your fans who come to Arizona Coyotes games are very knowledgeable. You just can’t understand that hockey is your national sport, and not ours. So, don’t be so mystified that we don’t sell out every game. You also like Shane Doan, and come to see him play.

Three Things We Don’t Like About You:

  1. You stole our future GM, Brad Treliving. I mean Don Maloney needs to go at some time, and if the Arizona Coyotes don’t improve you may see that sooner than later.
  2. We still think your team name doesn’t fit your city. Don’t get me wrong, we love the Flames logo, and all, but why not the Calgary Wranglers, or something which fits the Western city more?
  3. That you have such a talented young player in Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau. We may have one too this season by the name of Max Domi. We can’t wait to see these two promising NHL talents face each other.
  4. I know, but had to get this one in. You swept Dougie Hamilton right out from under us. We really wanted him badly, but you guys must have promised him a better horse than us.

Prediction:

With your new found success, you may overlook the fact that the Western Conference continues to improve each season. You at least are trying to keep up with that progression by adding better players. We should have GM Treliving tutor Don Maloney on the fine art of making your team more competitive. We think you will make the playoffs again, unless a major injury (something similar to Hanzal AND Boedker going down together) hits your ranks. First round elimination is on it’s way for you, but hang in there you have talent, now use it.

Next: Arizona Coyotes Pontificating Brendan Perlini’s Potential

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