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Wednesday, September 22, 1999
Decision time
Flames facing some tough choices
But the three-game pre-season swing through Eastern Canada has instead left Flames management and coaches with several questions that need to be resolved in the last three games.
Last night's 4-3 loss in Toronto produced a number of solid performances from players trying to earn a spot.
The question -- is it enough?
"Certainly we've created some new questions," said head coach Brian Sutter.
"But the difference is that these are positive questions. We've got young kids pushing veterans out of jobs, and bringing more skill to our team.
"Those are questions you like to answer."
Here's how the remaining questions break down for the Flames heading into the end of training camp:
* Three games. Three goalies.
Each was given a chance to play himself onto or off the Flames roster as the back-up to Grant Fuhr.
After last night, there are two left with Jean-Sebastien Giguere's demotion to Sainte John.
And if Tyler Moss could stop a first shot, there may be some doubt who will win the back-up job to Fuhr.
Moss, surrendering an opening goal on the first shot he'd faced for the second straight start, nevertheless dug himself out of an early hole in leading the Flames to at least contend for their first win in Toronto since March 20, 1994.
But Moss didn't get the win, faltering in the third period to allow the Leafs to overcome a third period deficit.
This is the time of year goalies earn jobs by stealing wins.
Moss may have lost his last chance last night.
The problem for Moss is that Fred Brathwaite is on a one-way contract, so Moss can be sent down to the minors and earn a minor league salary. Therefore he has to be much better than Brathwaite. Has he been? No.
* What about Toni?
Is Toni Lydman a Finnish Flash in the pan? The 22-year old from HIFK Helsinki has demonstrated poise on the point, handling the puck and physical play with equal aplomb.
Lydman's presence complicates an already crowded blueline. But the upside is that allows the Flames to perhaps make that much-anticipated trade involving a defenceman or two to secure more depth at forward.
* Do the Flames need an enforcer?
The prevailing attitude in the NHL is that if your tough guy can't play, he's a liability.
Rocky Thompson certainly has proven he can fight, but his level of play needs more work.
With Todd Simpson, Cale Hulse and possibly Wade Belak able to handle the enforcement role if needed, Thompson could find himself the odd man out.
If it's a choice between keeping a skater or a puncher, it should be no decision.
* What about the kids?
Oleg Saprykin has been the surprise of training camp. Last night he scored his first NHL pre-season goal and added an assist.
At 18 years old, he's been teamed with fellow first-rounders Daniel Tkaczuk and Rico Fata and they played a strong game as a unit again last night.
Both Tkaczuk and Fata have likely earned spots, but the question is can the Flames afford to carry three or perhaps four rookies at forward? Steve Begin has also made a strong case for himself and deserves a job. Sutter is effusive in his praise for Travis Brigley.
If that's the case, look for Saprykin, who is unsigned, to be returned to junior where he is sure to light up the WHL if he continues to play the way he did in camp.
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