After watching the MegaStars Game on CBC today, my mind shifted to the possibility that the Maple Leafs might be hosting a similar event in a year or two at the SkyDome. And since it was Montreal vs. Edmonton this time to garner a larger national television audience, why not have the Maple Leafs face the Flames next time? So, in the interest of curiousity, I've come up with an All-Flames Team roster. Two goalies, six defensemen and twelve forwards. Add your comments if you feel like it:
Calgary Flames All-Time Roster: Goaltenders: #31 Reggie Lemelin [Flame from 1980-87; Cup Finals in '86] Lemelin was Vernon's defacto mentor throughout the early 80s, grooming the young goalie who'd become the Flames best netminder. Oh, and he backstopped the Flames to their first Cup Finals by playing 60 games in 85-86 #30 Mike Vernon [Flame from 1982-94 & 2001-02; Cup Finals in '86 & '89] Vernon basically backstopped the Flames through the "glory years", usually dueling against Grant Fuhr Defensemen: #4 Denis Gauthier [Flame from 1997 to Present] One of two current Flames on the team, he's the longest serving Flame to not ever see any playoff time #2 Al MacInnis [Flame from 1981-94; Cup Finals in '86 & '89; Conn Smythe winner in '89] The Flames all-time leading scorer (and longest serving member), he's almost a lock for the Hall of Fame #3 Jamie Macoun [Flame from 1982-92; Cup Finals in '86 & '89] One of the five Flames traded to the Leafs in the infamous 1992 Gary Leeman trade, Macoun was another defensive cornerstone for the team for years. #53 Derek Morris [Flame from 1997-2002] I'll be honest, it was between Morris & Frank Musil, and Morris was always the more versitile D-man. #23 Paul Reinhart [Flame from 1980-88; Cup Finals in '86] Traded before the Cup run of '89, Reinhart logged a ton of time on the blueline. #20 Gary Suter [Flame from 1985-94; Cup Finals in '86 & '89; Calder winner in '86] Forwards: #74 Theoren Fleury [Flame from 1988-99] After the exodus of other bigger stars, Fleury carried the team through some lean years. #39 Doug Gilmour [Flame from 1988-92; Cup Finals in '89] Both an example of Cliff Fletcher's managerial brillance (his acquisition in 1988) and Doug Risebrough's incompetence (his trade in 1992) #19 Tim Hunter [Flame from 1981-1992; Cup Finals in '86 & '89] The Oilers had Dave Semenko, the Flames had Tim Hunter. You messed with our guys...you had to mess with Hunter. #12 Jarome Iginla [Flame from 1995 to Present; Art Ross, Rocket Richard & Lester B. Pearson winner in 2002] Possibly the greatest trade steal in club history, Iginla became the first Flame to lead the league in scoring in 2002 #22 Hakan Loob [Flame from 1983-89; Cup Finals in '86 & '89] #42 Sergei Makarov [Flame from 1989-93; Calder winner in '90] Another great player brought in by Cliff Fletcher. Didn't pan out, but had a great start #9 Lanny McDonald [Flame from 1981-89; Cup Finals in '86 & '89; Masterson winner in '83; King Clancy winner in '88] Lanny scored the most goals by a Flame in a season (66 in 1982-83) and has his #9 hanging from the Saddledome rafters #7 Joe Mullen [Flame from 1985-90; Cup Finals in '86 & '89; Lady Byng winner in '87 & '89] #14 Kent Nilsson [Flame from 1980-85] Scored 131 points in 1980-81 (a club record), leading the new Calgary team to the Conference Finals #25 Joe Nieuwendyk [Flame from 1986-95; Cup Finals in '89; Calder winner in '87; King Clancy winner in '95] Nieuwy carried the team before being traded for youngster Iginla, who's carrying the team now #29 Joel Otto [Flame from 1984-95; Cup Finals in '86 & '89] Probably the best two-way player in team history #10 Gary Roberts [Flame from 1986-96; Cup Finals in '89; Masterson winner in '96] Before injuries forced him to be traded, Roberts was one hell of a player.
[For the curious, Terry Crisp would coach this team (if "Badger" Bob Johnson was alive, he would've) and Cliff Fletcher would be the GM.]
Well, Lanny McDonald quit the team when he wasn't named GM...so maybe Pepper could take his spot. And Fleury ain't exactly the greatest guy ever. When he signed with the Rangers, he badmouthed the city and the team that gave him his shot. And then he fell off the wagon...and promptly got run over by it.
If it's Leafs/Flames, methinks Doug Gilmour will be claimed by Toronto. Maybe he can play the first half with Calgary and the second half as a Leaf.
Let's put this in the plainest terms possible: Darryl Strawberry has no business instructing anybody about anything. He has never done a thing in his life to warrant a position of guidance. Not on the field. Not off the field.-- David Vescey, si.com
Apparently the Flames are meeting with reps from McMahon Stadium this week to see if they can get the ball rolling on an outdoor game here in Calgary, so who knows.
But really, it would HAVE to be Flames/Oilers. Nothing else would even come close.
Originally posted by Big BadIf it's Leafs/Flames, methinks Doug Gilmour will be claimed by Toronto. Maybe he can play the first half with Calgary and the second half as a Leaf.
He won a Cup with the Flames, which would probably be the team's argument. He had better years with the Leafs, though. Perry Berezan would also be a good Flame player on the team.
FLAMES: 9-8-0-2; 20pts: Must add Matt Lombardi, Steve Reinprecht & Mikka Kiprusoff to Christmas card list... SURVIVOR: PEARL ISLANDS: 7 Remain [Tijuana, Darrah, Jon, Christa, Sandra, Burton & Lillian] Alas poor Rupert, we'll see you in February. SMALLVILLE: "Shattered" (Episode 3-8) Wow. 10/10
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