Recent rumours were circulating that the Flames had dealt for a hard hitting stay at home defensman. Even OTHL insider Bob McKenzie reported it, but it turns out Flames GM Jamie Hoover has added a very not Hoover type of player.
"I'll admit, I prefer the guy's that do their job, and that's to keep guy's from scoring, but Ozo isn't as big of slouch as some think, and he's a great guy to be able to throw out onto the power play. Have Sutter pair him with O'Donnell, or someone similar, and he's a threat even strength too without being a huge liability," Hoover commented on aquiring Sandis Ozolinsh from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
The deal sees newcomer defensman Josef Melichar packing his bags after a very short stay, along with young riser Oleg Saprykin and the chubby prospect known as Andrei Medvedev.
"The key loss here for us is Saprykin. Melichar was dealt to make room for Ozo in the lineup, and we have Krahn in our depth chats ahead of Medvedev." Saprykin however, was being touted as the team's future second line center. Saprykin and Medvedev leaving has been just a part of many a deals seeing youth leave for more established talent. Hoover has Flames fans ecstatic with the possibility of improving on last season. As there is only one way to improve.
We had a brief talk with Daryl Sutter to see what he was planning on using as his pairings. "As of now, Stuart and Brewer are going to be tested as my top unit. I didn't use that Tuesday, but that's because I was teaching the players a lesson that they can't be lazy in practice or I'll take their ice time away. Then as my second pair I'll put Ozo with rock solid Warrener. I'll have a lot less heartattacks with Ozolinsh on the ice with Rhett patrolling the blueline. Then my final pairing will be Ulanov and O'Donnell. They're two very similar players that know the game very well. This should be a good pairing for us. A little bit slow, but I don't think that'll matter with their positioning."
Sutter was also willing to let us have a sneek peek at what he would be using for lines for the teams next game which just happens to be a rematch of last year's final. It should be a good game with both team's going full tilt. Here's what Sutter has ready for the Lightning.
Line 1)
Simon, Roenick, Iginla
Simon's played well, and while being able to keep up with the big two on the line, he'll also help make more room for them to create. This line looks like there's no way it can't produce.
Line 2)
Moreau, Smolinski, Walker
I really like this line. Solid good two way veterans. What more is there to say really?
Line 3)
Sedin, Sedin, Mellanby
Another solid two way line. Mellanby should be able to help the Sedins over the long haul if this line stays intact.
Line 4)
Dingman, Brown, Laraque
A tough line that may not score many goals, but should be a good energy line that get's the fans into the game as well as do a good job of keeping the puck out of the net.
And although we quoted Sutter on the defense, we thought we'd re-post them here anyway
Pair 1)
Stuart, Brewer
Two of the best young defensmen in the league. This will be a great pairing for many years to come. Both could easily be Norris candidates in a few years.
Pair 2)
Warrener, Ozolinsh
You're typical defensive guy with offensive guy combo.
Pair 3)
Ulanov, O'Donnell
Slow, but effective. Verdict is still out on that however, but the team holds faith.
And on the Power Play;
1st unit)
Sedin, Roenick, Iginla
Stuart, Ozlolinsh
This looks to be a pretty dangerous top unit. I'd assume there'd be some nice passing plays before Iggy and Roenick do some banging for the goal.
2nd unit)
Moreau, Smolisnki, Walker
Brewer, Warrener
Not as talented of a unit, but they should be able to chip in the odd PP goal with hard work, making the simple plays. Also, a group that's familiar with each other should help too.
And finally the Penalty kill;
1st unit)
Moreau, Smolinski, Stuart, Warrener
Roenick get's held off here to give him some resting time. If the PK continues to suffer as it did in the pre-season however, expect to see Roenick jump in here as well, and maybe play second unit PP to save his energy.
2nd unit)
Simon, Brown, Brewer, O'Donnell
The key purpose to landing Brown was to lt Roenick take the PK completely off and focus on the other areas of the game. If he fails on the PK, there could be a good chance he get's dealt elsewhere.
Net)
Kiprusoff
Boucher
Kiprusoff got benched by Sutter trying to send a message early on this season to his boys. "Play hard, or don't play." Miika took it easy in practice and Sutter benched him for it. He did end up coming in late and made four saves on four shots, but to little to late. Kipper is expected to start the majority of the games this season, and will be starting against Tampa.
And that's all your Flames news up to date for today.