"I'd like to think we can (re-sign him) but we're not where we need to be and there's still a lot of work to be done," Feaster explained. "We'll see where it goes but I think the fact we're talking is a good thing."

Jay Feaster - June 20, 2011

This comment at the end of an article announcing the Henrik Karlsson signing caught my eye, especially the "there's still a lot of work to be done." Just a short while ago it appeared an announcement was imminent. 

I expected Alex Tanguay to test the market and to be unsigned as of July 1 but this quote from Feaster seems to confirm it. If Tanguay is not signed, life will go on for the Flames. Feaster has to likely choose here between another long-term deal at high dollars and an NMC vs letting Tanguay go in exchange for more flexibility and options for the future. 

It's a tough call, Feaster will take heat either way. 

To whom it may concern,

Well...shit, eh?  

This isn't how it was supposed to end. This isn't how it all played out in your mind. The Cup was supposed to come home to Canada, brought back by the mighty Canucks, ending almost 20 years of it being won by those bastard teams south of the border.  

But, yet it wasn't. And now amidst your burning cars, burning Luongo jerseys, and burning hatred of the rest of the world who weren't cheering for you, you are left with one question: What happened?

Allow me...

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Hi Flames fans,

I just wanted to spread the news that the Calgary Flames are buying your local lacrosse team. The Calgary Roughnecks had the best record in the National Lacrosse League this season before falling to the Washington Stealth in the Western Conference Championship.

The Roughnecks and NLL are a hidden gem all around the USA and Canada. The Necks play at the same stadium as the Flames, the Saddledome, and have a bright future. They had this season's rookie of the year in Curtis Dickson and the league's best coach in Dave Pym.

I run the SBNation lacrosse site so if you have any questions about the game, feel free to ask. But I wanted to inform you that this sale will help the Flames a lot as the Roughnecks are a profitable team.

- Marisa Ingemi

 To whom it may concern,

Well, you've reached the Stanley Cup Finals and are now just two wins away from hoisting the Stanley Cup, hockey's Holy Grail. Feels good doesn't it? 

Along the way, you've been proclaimed "Canada's Team" and every grandparent, aunt and uncle has jumped onto your bandwagon. Shit, I can't even eat at Boston Pizza anymore without being reminded of the fact that your amazing hockey team may just be Canada's first champion since 1993.

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In what has to be considered a fast and solid start for the Winnipeg market; True North hit its target goal of 13,000 season tickets within minutes of allowing the public access. All teams do well in the initial year of sales so it will be interesting to see how the teams sales hold up over the years. Definitely a great start, I expected them to meet their target goal but not on the first day.

Even more impressive is that this is a commitment of 3-5 years from each of the 13,000 season ticket holders. The prices and structure for season ticket holders are higher, although comparable on a single ticket basis, season ticket holders usually get a larger discount.

Regardless, the demand is clearly there in Winnipeg for not only the higher prices but also the longer commitment of 3-5 years.   

Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz had a $450M Arena Deal approved late last night by Edmonton City Council.  The deal is contingent on public funding from the Province of Alberta and/or the Federal Government.

It provides 35 years of security for Oiler hockey fans in Edmonton, that the team will not be moved. It also sets an expectation, if approved, that the Calgary Flames would be entitled to a similar deal in Provincial funding, if the Saddledome is to be upgraded or replaced.

If Federal Government funding is also approved it would follow that the other 4 and perhaps 5 NHL teams, (if Winnipeg confirms the arrival of the Thrashers) would also get approval for a similar Arena funding injection. 

Will the Vancouver Canucks, the Winnipeg 'Thrashers', the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Ottawa Senators and perhaps even the NHL-less Quebec City also get Federal Funding to either build a new Arena or upgrade an existing one? 

It appears Chara did not get suspected after the hit on Max Pacioretty...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AsLTwBVYiMo5MeI90iG9GUl7vLYF?slug=capress-hkn_nhl_habs_pacioretty-6192099

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With the recent six game winning streak, the Flames bandwagon has almost filled back up again and most of the calls to "blow it up good" have quieted down. Short of the bookies assessment though, I wanted to take a closer look at what the Flames chances to get in the playoffs are so I know how crushed/elated to be in April. I will base my assement on a) how close they really are to a playoff spot and b) how good they are in relation to the teams they are battling for a playoff spot. For a) I am going to use the point percentage after the Atlanta game. For b) I am going to look at the Corsi% with the score close and score tied from this season from Objective NHL. Results after the Jump.

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Winners of the last 4 in a row - the Flames closed out the 10 game stretch since the midseason mark with a 6-1-3 record - 15 points out of 20 - a .750 clip. Can they make a serious playoff run ? A look at the schedule backwards and forwards.

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Henrik Karlsson has been sheltered somewhat by Brent Sutter, but it is paying off as he is on pace to have the best statistical season of any Flame backup since Kiprusoff arrived.

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