NHL Hockey Odds - Offseason Update for Calgary Flames
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
by Bodog Sportsbook
The Calgary Flames have just 35/1 Bodog NHL odds to win the Stanley Cup, signaling what most already know but the Flames are denying internally: it’s time to rebuild. This is your Calgary Flames offseason update.
Perhaps trading away Dion Phaneuf for a handful of Toronto Maple Leafs was a bad idea. That’s what Calgary did last season, swapping their struggling but uber-talented defensemen for a package of retreads. Now the Flames are collapsing on that shaky foundation.
Calgary missed the playoffs last year after the offense bottomed out. The club finished second-last in goal scoring but, despite this, the team made few changes. In fact, it went to great lengths to re-sign Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay. The Jokinen signing is especially frustrating for Flames fans as the former scoring threat managed just 35 points in 56 games last time around with the team.
Beyond that, no significant moves were made to upgrade the offense. That’s especially disconcerting as Jarome Iginla is another year older; he managed 69 points in 82 games and, truth be told, the team should probably ship him out while his value is high.
The team’s saving grace is its defensive prowess. While Calgary regularly failed to fill the net, it ranked fifth in fewest goals allowed. Jay Bouwmeester and Robyn Regehr are a nice top pair, while Ian White and Cory Sarich round out a respectable top four on the blue line. But unless they can contribute to a shutout on a nightly basis, it may not matter.
Miikka Kiprusoff fought off Father Time with arguably his best season since 2005-06. Kipper appeared to be on the decline over the past few years but bounced back nicely, but there’s still cause for concern — can he deliver such fantastic results again at 34 years old? Even a slight decline will keep the Flames from reaching the postseason.
Bet on Calgary Flames futures at Bodog Sportsbook
Related Articles
- NHL Free Betting Pick: New York Rangers at Calgary Flames
- Calgary Flames NHL Hockey Odds to win the 2012 Stanley Cup
- NHL Hockey Odds: Calgary Flames Odds to win the 2012 Stanley Cup
- NHL Late Night Game Odds: Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames
- Hockey Score : Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames
Category
Tags
alex tanguay - calgary flames - cory sarich - dion phaneuf - ian white - jarome iginla - jay bouwmeester - miikka kiprusoff - olli jokinen - robyn regehr
