BIG AL MCMORDIE
Vancouver vs. Calgary
Free Pick: Calgary
At the start of each new season, there are teams that look like they’re going to take steps forward, teams that look to regress, and ones that appear to essentially stay where they were last season. The Canucks appear to be in the first category, and all indications are that the regression could be severe. The Canucks finished second in the Pacific last season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs, then proceeded to make some questionable moves in the off-season that have left them with an aging roster. Many are predicting that the Canucks will be the 100+ point team that falls the farthest, and while that obviously remains to be seen, all the signs are there for it to happen. The Flames on the other hand are moving in the opposite direction, with an exciting young team that went from 6th place to 3rd last season and looks like a good bet to improve on that. They ranked 6th in the NHL in scoring and were very good at staying out of the penalty box, and the very strong goalie tandem of Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo return as well. Including their first-round playoff series, the Flames have won six of the last eight meetings.