The Calgary Flames start their regular season tonight by hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is at 8pm and the game will be broadcast on CBC Hockey Night in Canada and FAN 960 radio.
Last time the Penguins came to town TV viewers met the future Mrs. Sidney Crosby, Kristine De Mott who showed up to the game in a wedding gown with a “Marry Me Sidney” sign. Rumours have been circulating that she was planning something similar, but different this time. Unfortunately, Kristine may not get her wish as Crosby is not expected to play due to lingering concussion problems.
Regardless, the Pens will come out gunning so look for them to be competitive tonight. They showed they are capable of playing just fine without their captain when they beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in the shootout on Thursday.
Calgary’s captain, and best player, Jarome Iginla will be on the ice tonight. His status seemed up in the air for period of the preseason while he fought with back spasms. Everything seems fine now so look for Iggy to be on the ice leading the Flames.
One change this season is that defenceman Mark Giordano will have a bit of extra weight on his sweater. After the off-season departure of Robyn Regehr, the Flames needed a replacement Alternate Captain. Gio has been chosen as an player to wear the “A” on his jersey. As much as I liked and respected Regehr, I’d call Gio an upgrade, and I’m happy that he was chosen as a leader for the team.
New faces on the Flames regular season roster this year are forwards Roman Horak, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Lee Stempniak and defencemen Chris Butler, Scott Hannan and Derek Smith.
I don’t have too much else to add other than the fact that I’m excited for hockey to be back…. and…
GO FLAMES GO!!!
Greg is the founder of Red Mile Blog has been following the Flames through good times and bad since they arrived in Calgary in the early 80s. He has written hundreds of articles on the Flames since 2005 and considers himself an expert on hockey inconsistency and frustration. He shoots right and usually plays defence, but has been known to jump up in the rush. He is a 2-time CAHL men's league champion and knows the sweet taste of beer from a Cup.
