Question Period - Flames Edition

Huh? Questions?

After leading the Northwest division by as much as 13 points, the Flames now find themselves tied with the Vancouver Canucks and are yo-yoing between third and fifth in the Western Conference. Suddenly, they're on the verge of losing the home-ice advantage they seemed destined to secure. The injuries are piling up, the stars aren't contributing and they've lost the ability to score goals. So the sky is falling. What now? I've got some questions for you!

1. According to almost every Flames fan I meet, the Flames aren't going to make it past the first round of the playoffs. The only logical solution then, is to fire the coach! Who do you want behind the Flames bench if (when?) the Flames make another early playoff exit? One of the Sutter brothers, Darryl or Brent? Jim Playfair? Mike Keenan? Harvey the Hound?

Harvey will make everything all better...

2. Curtis McElhinney can't win a game to save his life and is on a one year deal. Do you want McElhinney to wear the ballcap on the bench next season or do you want Sutter to go after another UFA back-up? Scott Clemmensen, Wade Dubielewicz, Ty Conklin, Craig Anderson, Kevin Weekes and many others are available.

3. Dion Phaneuf is having a tough year, but most people forget he was a Norris Trophy runner-up last season at the age of 22. He's now 23. Do you want to get rid of him? If so, how hard will you be kicking yourself if he wins 3 Norris crowns in the next 6 years? If not, how smug will you be if the same situation unfolds?

4. It's not impossible to get Michael Cammalleri re-signed next season, but with the acqusition of Olli Jokinen, it's not looking good. Do you want Cammalleri back? Where do you think he signs next year?

5. With Florida's playoff chances hanging by a thread and Jay Bouwmeester not being dealt at the trade deadline, do you think Calgary has a chance of signing him in the off-season? What exactly would Darryl Sutter have to do to snag JayBo instead of perhaps the hated Northwest division rivals to the west or north?

6. That being said, Jay is going to command some big money. If Cammalleri resigns somewhere else, you may still have to dump some salary. Do you want Sutter to bring back Todd Bertuzzi next year? What about Adrian Aucoin? His contract is up this year and could take a hefty paycut.

7. How much longer do you think Miikka Kiprusoff can maintain this pace of around 74-77 games played a year? Do you think he's tired now? Does he deserve to be nominated for the Vezina trophy this season?

8. Calgary recently had to call up defensemen John Negrin and Matt Pelech from Quad City in the AHL. Do you think either of those two or Kelowna Rockets prospect Mikael Backlund crack the big team's roster next season?

9. With the new additions to the team and the emergence of some great secondary players, do you think Jarome Iginla has had his role on the team changed? He doesn't have to be "the guy" anymore. Will this continue to affect Iginla's play?

10. How far do you think the Flames will advance in the playoffs this season?

The Important Questions:

• The Flames will unveil an alternate jersey next year. Do you hope they follow the Oilers and unveil a vintage jersey?

• If you visit the Red Mile this year, do you intend on bringing a camera? If so, just what kind of creep are you?

Thanks to Ron Guillet for allowing me to use this great format!

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