Awesome Hockey Discussion Since 1875. True Story. | The Checking Line

All things Flames. Cervenka, Jokinen, Kipper, Coach, Draft

May 3, 2012

Coming off of garbage bag day there seemed to be an air of pent up frustration with the Flames management and the team in general. It is easy to forget that the Flames had played their way into a legit shot at the post season, winning five games in a row. After seeing that kind of streak it was bitterly disappointing to watch them fail miserably in a week where they faced the worst team in the league, the second worst team in the league and the second worst team in the division. The losses were the nail in the coffin that meant the Flames would yet again miss the Playoffs. I remind us of this because it is easy to forget our frustration, the reason why fans were calling for massive changes.

The changes were supposed to be dramatic, Iginla and Kiprusoff were mentioned in every trade rumour and fantasy scenario a fan could think of. Iginla for Staal, Kipper for Columbus 1st round pick, on and on. We wondered what massive changes would take place because obviously the Flames are just banging their head against the wall with Kipper and Iginla right? No one is mad at those players but it seemed a change was necessary to move forward.

Flames add skill; Sign Roman Cervenka

May 3, 2012

Derrick Newman

2 Comments

The Flames signed Roman Cervenka adding a little more skill to the forward ranks.

What does this mean to the pending UFA's going forward?

And was this a good signing?

In Sutter we Trust

May 1, 2012

Derrick Newman

0 Comments

Darryl Sutter could lead the LA Kings to the Cup this season.

So what do Calgary Flames fans think of it given that he dug the Flames into their current hole?

Well, Darryl was always a good coach...it was the GM thing that he sucked at.

Coach

April 26, 2012

Mike Flannery

0 Comments

(Brent Thompson/Photo: Dennis Sievers)

The release of assistant coaches Scott Allen and Dean Chynoweth by the Islanders has led to speculation that Bridgeport Sound Tigers head coach Brent Thompson will be joining Jack Capuano and Doug Weight behind the teams bench. I hope this is not the case for three very good reasons. First, I think that coach Capuano should be allowed to select his own assistants and can’t think of any successful organization that doesn’t allow their head coach to do the same. Secondly, as remarkable a job as coach Thompson has done in Bridgeport, he has not finished his work here. Lastly, I am a selfish Sound Tigers fan and don’t want to lose him. (Okay, maybe that’s only two good reasons.)

Checkmate: Kings eliminate Canucks; move on to 2nd round for first time since 2001

April 23, 2012

Hockeybroad

1 Comment

The odds were on Vancouver's side, but the fates favored the Kings.

After winning the President's Trophy for the second year in a row, it seemed possible for the Canucks to make another deep Cup run. After all, they were 60 minutes from taking it all last year, losing 5-2 in the Cup Final vs. the Bruins.

The Canucks made some trades and decisions over the summer that made the difference in the late season. German defenseman Christian Ehrhoff - who put up 50 points for Vancouver in 2010-11 - was allowed to become a UFA last summer; he signed with the Buffalo Sabres. The Canucks also traded away Mikael Samuelsson and Marco Sturm to the Florida Panthers, and rec...

Poor Bobby Lou

April 18, 2012

NickSymon

2 Comments

Cory Schneider gets the start between the pipes for the Canucks tonight in their most important game of the season as the Canucks try to avoid being the first President Trophy winner to be swept in the first round. The Canucks clearly have more faith in Schneider to start the big game so the bigger question is what do they do with Roberto Luongo?

Brent Sutter and Flames part ways

April 12, 2012

Derrick Newman

1 Comment

Brent Sutter and the Calgary Flames parted ways today after three years of time together.

Dave Lowry was also asked not to come back.

Who's next in line to take the head coaching position?

It's anyone's guess.

TCL Round 1 Staff Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings

April 11, 2012

TCL Staff

0 Comments

( 1 ) VANCOUVER CANUCKS vs. ( 8 ) LOS ANGELES KINGS

The Vancouver Canucks aren't exactly the most liked team in the NHL, especially after the antics of both their players and their fans in last year's playoffs. Add to that their injuries and woes this season (despite finishing first in the West), and you'll have a hard time finding too many people openly cheering for them to go too far this year. But it's hard to deny their depth and their talent. Luongo not playing well? No problem, you've got Schneider. Daniel Sedin still out with a concussion? Plenty of forwards to try and ease the pain. But on the other side of the ice is a hungry Los Angel...

What is Kiprusoff worth? Where would he Go?

April 11, 2012

saneopinion

6 Comments

Where will Miikka Kiprusoff be playing hockey next season?

What's he worth? And are the Flames better off to trade him away now while his value is possibly at its peak.

Saneopinion takes a look at Kiprusoff's worth and possible destinations as well as reasons why teams may not want him.

Where Do I Begin?

April 11, 2012

NickSymon

1 Comment

Another disappointing season has come to an end here in Calgary and with big changes coming this summer, this could be one of the toughest off-seasons for both management and fans. The Flames are a mess and its time this change.

Where do I begin?