This is a very different Calgary team from 2004. In terms of skill this is a much more talented team than the 04 version, but has not shown the same grit. When they are on their game, the Flames can beat anyone in the league with their newly found offensive depth and physical defense.
Iginla, Huselius, Langkow and Tanguay have been the offensive leaders on this team and the Flames are actually one of the top offensive teams this year despite their reputation as a team that has trouble scoring. Huselius has turned into an amazing playmaker and makes some dazzling plays. Langkow has been the Flames best 2way forward and should be a Selke candidate. Jeff Freisen and Stephane Yelle are our defensive PK specialists and Keith Primeau and Michigan's David Moss give us a physical presence up front. The Flames are counting on Craig Conroy to provide some veteran leadership, something they seemed to be lacking for much of the season.
Where the Flames have struggled this year is actually team defense. This team is consistently outshot night after night. Our forwards seem to get outplayed physically and our defense is one of the best in the league when on top of their game but has been very inconsistent.
Roman Hamrlik and Dion Phaneuf are the Flames top offensive d-men and make up a physically impossing duo. Both have been very solid on the PP but have been prone to defensive lapses in their own end. Robin Regehr is capable of being one of the best shut down defenders in the league but has struggled somewhat this year without Jordan Leopold. He has, however, played better since the Flames aquired Brad Stuart who also plays a very physical game.
David Hale and Rhett Warrener will likely be our third pairing with Andrei Zyuzin and Mark Giordano filling in when needed.
In goal, Mikka Kiprusoff is still one of the best in the game and is capable of stealing games. He has, however, faced alot of rubber this year and has shown bouts of inconsistency for the first time in his career as a Flame. If the Flames keep the shot totals down he could steal this series if allowed to get on a roll.
Overall, I would say the Flames have a much improved offensive punch but are much more sloppy and inconsistent in their own end and have not lived up to their reputation as physical team that outworks its opponents night after night. They are no longer a team that opponents hate to play against and don't really have physical forwards that scare anyone. They are also prone to stupid penalties. The biggest question I have, as a Flames fan, is can they find and maintain the necessary intensity level needed to win? If they can then look out. If not, it could be an easy series for the Red Wings.
