Given the lengthy pause since the middle of March and the new long extension of the CBA playoffs ahead, the Calgary Flames are being led by former New Jersey Devils assistant coach Geoff Ward. Ward has a big task ahead going into the early month of August against Winnipeg. The Flames are being led on the ice by Salem, New Jersey’s very own Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau. Gaudreau is being supported by Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk, part of their core forward support group.
On defence, Mark Giordano has proven to be an important defensemen that has provided leadership and stability in the rivalry of Alberta vs. Manitoba matchup. Noah Hanifin, Juuso Valimaki and Oliver Kylington are young defenders that should be taking a big step forward. They should be more than excited and looking forward to taking advantage of the time on ice given any absentees due to the pandemic.
Having goalies like David Rittich, originally a native of Jihlava, Czech Republic, he will likely get the nod against the Winnipeg Jets in game one of five. Rittich and teammate Cam Talbot both have two shutouts, each totalling for four total during the regular season. What we should expect with these tall and very athletic netminders around a younger Flames defence is that they should help guys like Noah Hanifin, and Juuso Valimaki to play their defensive game.
Coming up against opponents such as Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele as the big duo could make or break a series with the Calgary defence. If the bounces go Calgary’s way, along without hitting and being more physical, wearing out Winnipeg’s best players will allow more time and space for Calgary’s timely offence to come up clutch.