CALGARY (CP) - The bigger, tougher Calgary Flames may match the gritty reputation of coach and general manager Darryl Sutter.
But it's going to take more than the addition of hulking enforcer Krzysztof Oliwa to push the Flames into Stanley Cup contenders after missing the playoffs for seven straight years.
Superstar Jarome Iginla, whose 67 points last year were a far cry from the 96 he notched winning the scoring race in 2001-02, acknowledges there's increased pressure to lead the club past the post-season drought.
"Absolutely anything less than the playoffs is a huge disappointment," said Iginla, who is in the second year of a $13-million contract.
After struggling the first half of last season with injuries, the 26-year-old Iginla is healthy and ready to pick up where he left off. Dean McAmmond has been reunited with Iginla and Craig Conroy on the top line which combined for 100 goals two seasons ago.
Scoring punch is key if the Flames are to improve on their 29-36-13-4 record, 12th in the Western Conference. Calgary scored just 187 goals last season - 27th in the NHL. Even worse was their power play, ranked 29th in the league.
Speedy centre Steve Reinprecht, who scored 18 goals for the Colorado Avalanche last season, is expected to help with the offensive output alongside wingers Martin Gelinas and Chuck Kobasew.
There will be a lot of eyes on Kobasew, the Flames' top draft choice in 2001, who had a dazzling pre-season. At one point he scored four goals in four games.
The Flames' defence, often considered their deepest position, has been bolstered with the addition of Rhett Warrener. Jordan Leopold, who logged 25 minutes on many nights in his rookie season, should continue to be a presence.
Sutter has also put together a good checking line in Stephane Yelle, Josh Green and Shean Donovan.
"They've been shutting down guys, they've got great speed," said Flames captain Conroy, who was recognized more for his defensive abilities until he became Iginla's linemate.
"Green and Donovan are big tough players with skill, they're going to score some goals, too. If they're checking the top line it's going to be very tough to play against them."
Penalty killing is a problem that doesn't appear to have been solved in the off-season. More than half of the goals the Flames surrendered in pre-season came while short-handed, including six in one game against archrival Edmonton Oilers.
But Iginla shrugs off those problems
"This year I think personnel on specialty teams will be much better," he said. "We'll be more consistent and we look forward to proving it."
Goalie Roman Turek, stung by criticism that his 26-29-9 record and 2.60 goals-against-average weren't up to his $4-million salary, came to camp fit and focused.
Sutter has been pleased with the improved performance of the big Czech, whose pre-season play included a 80-minute shutout stretch heading into Saturday's final exhibition game against the Oilers.
The no-nonsense Sutter has made no secret of his disgust over missing the playoffs last season, although the Flames' post-season chances were slim by the time he took over the club's reins last Dec. 28.
After adding general manager duties in April, he has complete control over building the team he wants within Calgary's limited payroll.
A big plus is that there's no secret to Sutter's message: never quit.
"Darryl expects to win every game. He's not going to take any less," said Conroy, adding that the team is aiming for a strong start to bolster their chances down the road.
"Darryl has brought in good chemistry. I think we're going to have the deepest four lines we've ever had and that's what's going to be the difference. Instead of one or maybe two, you have four solid lines and everybody knows what their role is on this team."
http://canada.com/sports/story.html?id=F74507ED-9C0C-43ED-A854-565867C4E014
But it's going to take more than the addition of hulking enforcer Krzysztof Oliwa to push the Flames into Stanley Cup contenders after missing the playoffs for seven straight years.
Superstar Jarome Iginla, whose 67 points last year were a far cry from the 96 he notched winning the scoring race in 2001-02, acknowledges there's increased pressure to lead the club past the post-season drought.
"Absolutely anything less than the playoffs is a huge disappointment," said Iginla, who is in the second year of a $13-million contract.
After struggling the first half of last season with injuries, the 26-year-old Iginla is healthy and ready to pick up where he left off. Dean McAmmond has been reunited with Iginla and Craig Conroy on the top line which combined for 100 goals two seasons ago.
Scoring punch is key if the Flames are to improve on their 29-36-13-4 record, 12th in the Western Conference. Calgary scored just 187 goals last season - 27th in the NHL. Even worse was their power play, ranked 29th in the league.
Speedy centre Steve Reinprecht, who scored 18 goals for the Colorado Avalanche last season, is expected to help with the offensive output alongside wingers Martin Gelinas and Chuck Kobasew.
There will be a lot of eyes on Kobasew, the Flames' top draft choice in 2001, who had a dazzling pre-season. At one point he scored four goals in four games.
The Flames' defence, often considered their deepest position, has been bolstered with the addition of Rhett Warrener. Jordan Leopold, who logged 25 minutes on many nights in his rookie season, should continue to be a presence.
Sutter has also put together a good checking line in Stephane Yelle, Josh Green and Shean Donovan.
"They've been shutting down guys, they've got great speed," said Flames captain Conroy, who was recognized more for his defensive abilities until he became Iginla's linemate.
"Green and Donovan are big tough players with skill, they're going to score some goals, too. If they're checking the top line it's going to be very tough to play against them."
Penalty killing is a problem that doesn't appear to have been solved in the off-season. More than half of the goals the Flames surrendered in pre-season came while short-handed, including six in one game against archrival Edmonton Oilers.
But Iginla shrugs off those problems
"This year I think personnel on specialty teams will be much better," he said. "We'll be more consistent and we look forward to proving it."
Goalie Roman Turek, stung by criticism that his 26-29-9 record and 2.60 goals-against-average weren't up to his $4-million salary, came to camp fit and focused.
Sutter has been pleased with the improved performance of the big Czech, whose pre-season play included a 80-minute shutout stretch heading into Saturday's final exhibition game against the Oilers.
The no-nonsense Sutter has made no secret of his disgust over missing the playoffs last season, although the Flames' post-season chances were slim by the time he took over the club's reins last Dec. 28.
After adding general manager duties in April, he has complete control over building the team he wants within Calgary's limited payroll.
A big plus is that there's no secret to Sutter's message: never quit.
"Darryl expects to win every game. He's not going to take any less," said Conroy, adding that the team is aiming for a strong start to bolster their chances down the road.
"Darryl has brought in good chemistry. I think we're going to have the deepest four lines we've ever had and that's what's going to be the difference. Instead of one or maybe two, you have four solid lines and everybody knows what their role is on this team."
http://canada.com/sports/story.html?id=F74507ED-9C0C-43ED-A854-565867C4E014
