Another year to scrutinize Jarome Iginla’s start to the campaign.
Breaking down — and often criticizing — Iginla’s production to kick off a season is as much a part of life at the Saddledome as the “Heroin Beer.”
However, with only 48 games on the docket, the Calgary Flames can ill afford Iginla to have a stereotypical start of the campaign.
You know the ones, when he struggles to light the lamps more than once or twice in the first week or two and everyone speculates about whether the Calgary Flames captain will reach their expectations.
Don’t kid yourself, Iginla knows his start will be closely monitored, beginning with Sunday’s opener at the Saddledome against the San Jose Sharks (4 p.m., Sportsnet West.)
“I think I’m ready to go. I don’t know if every year is a slow start, so some of those get a little overblown, but I feel prepared,” Iginla said after Saturday’s practice at the WinSport Ice Complex.
