"Rants and Raves"

I felt it was necessary for a second post today. This one will consist of a few thoughts I am tossing around in my head and thought would do me better to sample it out in writing.

- I don't think we should be making any more trades right now. 3 gone, 4 gained... let's see how this goes.

The reason I say that is because I think when we signed Olli Jokinen and let Cammelleri go, we were all expecting him to be the guy to fill his shoes, and clearly he didn't. So maybe I've been a little harsh because of my disappointment in that one lone fact. He's not a top liner, so move him down, re-evaluate his worth at the end of this season's contract and if he's willing to take a pay cut, he can stay for another year, on the 2nd or 3rd line. Period. Otherwise, what can he say for himself? If Jarome Iginla took a pay cut to stay with this team and Olli won't, well. That's not a tough call to make. He leaves, we free up some salary money, he stays, we free up some salary money. Why trade him now along with Prust for a few guys who A) don't even want to come to Calgary, and B) are the same B levels players that we are trying to weed OUT of our franchise. It just doesn't make any sense. So I say enough... for now.

- I said it before, and I'll say it again. I love Mark Giordano. Who is constantly sticking his neck out and showing his puck handling and mutli tasking skills?

He's got more heart than a lot of our guys out on the ice right now. Not all... Bourque, Iginla, Kipprusoff, the list goes on...but as for Defensemen? He's got my vote, at least for MVP in the last month. Enough said.

- #18, Stajan. Way to put yourself out there right off the bat, buddy. I like your style and you have seemed to mesh well with your new team mates right away. Welcome to the Calgary Flames.

He packed up his life in 24 hours or less and showed up tonight like he'd been playing with the Flames for far longer than, well, never. I'm not saying the wool's been pulled over my eyes, all I mean is that here we are, day #1 with four new members, and I'm impressed so far. Let's keep it up.

- It's been up in the air whether it was Higgins or Kotalik that would not allow a trade to "three" specific teams without his permission, "Calgary being one of them".

Now why in the hell would we consider accepting anyone into our market with an attitude like that? Pardon me for saying so, but I would hope that I speak for a hell of a lot more people than just myself when I say, DON'T BOTHER. No one wants an asshole in their dressing room and I certainly don't see where someone like that would fit into the Flames team. How would any team benefit from someone who may not play to their full potential? All because of how unhappy he is that he was traded to a team he so specifically singled out? Please. So, Darryl? I really hope that Jokinen and Prust are on the ice tonight because after becoming aware of that information yourself you knew better. Something may still be up that sleeve of yours, but if you've been this hesitant for this long... it makes the rest of us hesitant as well. Bad trade. Jokinen and Prust stay. There will always be other opportunities. Let's focus on the fine tuning of our new team instead of worrying about egotistical hockey players.

- I know I'm being extremely judgmental right now, really I am truly happy, I just felt that this was the best place to get out the frustrations I have with hockey topics.

I don't think anything we do right now is going to transform the Flames overnight. I also don't think that we are a broken team, I just think we needed some tune ups and a few oil changes. Once we get our wheels spinning, we'll come out fighting. I give it a few days. Over the next 6 nights I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with our changes, as I do know a few sad faces mourning the loss of Dion Phaneuf.

Whatever will be will be! And I shall bid you adieu with the words of my cousin's 2 year old daughter, Lillie.

"YAY, HOCKEY! GO HOCKEY!"

T