Hey Jamie Lundmark is here at practice, I guess Boomer was right, still no official word I am sure we will get a press release later this morning.
When the Penguins roll into town these days it is a big deal, there are way more fans already in the stands to watch practice that at any time this season. Plus there is far more security in the building including uniformed policemen, just to keep the interlopers from getting to Sid the Kid and his pals.
Adam Pardy plays in his 100th NHL game tonight, not bad for a 6th round pick.
Flames are holding an optional practice this morning with only 10 players taking part.
Example of class, Sidney Crosby, in full gear mind you, came to the Hot Stove Lounge to find Peter Maher to apologize for not getting an interview done before practice.
Click here to subscribe to Kerr's blog
Thought I would use your blog to be a contrarian to the current stay-the-course attitude of the Flames. I guess those in the media thru radio/tv station contracts with the Flames cannot be too critical, but don’t you think enough is enough.Does anyone think scoring 1 to 2 goals a game is going to take this group deep into the playoffs even if they make it into them. This means Kipper needs a goal against average of between 0 and 2!!!! You should be able to play solid defense and still score more goals and have a decent power play. How to turn this around?? Very difficult with the current roster that was inherited by the Coach from his brother who gave out one way contracts with abandon. The GM’s style is for energy type grinders - a strong flair for being creative offensively with a scoring touch appears secondary. Look at the team over the last few years and observe similar problems and you get what you have today. Also there appears to be a significant “chemistry” problem starting with Olli Jokinen - this follows him from previous teams. In the past we called his style soft, floating - a player who skates big circles but doesn’t like to get his nose dirty, typically not of the Sutter mold. Observe not only what is happening on the ice but along the bench during a game. Arguably he is not an asset on the 1st line nor any help to Ignila or the PP. Perhaps to get more offensive creativity and scoring, the GM needs to make a move. Why not try to package Jokinen, a D man and another forward (Moss?) and go after those who can put the puck in the net. It is time to stop making excuses and make a move. HOWEVER, given who the GM is I will not hold my breath.
Thanks for your time - Rick
- Rick