Calgary Flames Odds - Better defense, worse offense, same result

The Calgary Flames odds could take a turn for the better in 2009-10 for this perennial second-tier contender team. At least, Flames fans sure hope so. With several of their key cogs well into their thirties, the Flames are inching toward “win now” status. Can Jay Bouwmeester’s defensive presence offset the teams’ offensive losses this NHL betting season?

Calgary Flames Odds: Arrival of Bouwmeester, Sutter symbolizes new commitment to defense

• Flames failed to replace departing stars on offense
  
• Bouwmeester makes the blueline as deep as any in the NHL
  
• Power play will struggle, penalty kill will flourish; what else is new?

Calgary Flames odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
Pun intended, the Flames set the Western Conference on fire last season, finishing third in goals. The offensive explosion was a product of finally having two lines that could score; adding Michael Cammalleri and Todd Bertuzzi to the forward corps of Jarome Iginla and Daymond Langkow gave the team unprecedented depth.

Sadly, Calgary let both Cammalleri and Bertuzzi walk in the offseason and did nothing to replace them, so the Flames’ scoring could very well dry up. Jarome Iginla is a top-five player in the world but can’t do it all on his own. The Flames would love it if rookie Mikael Backlund made the team and became a top-six forward, but that’s not guaranteed.

Calgary Flames odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
The Flames’ defensive prowess has regressed over the last few seasons, but you can bet at the sportsbook on that changing for two big reasons. First, Brent Sutter takes over as head coach and should instill a hardworking, defense-first mentality. Second, newly signed Jay Bouwmeester will join Dion Phaneuf to form perhaps the league’s most formidable top two. Bouwmeester is among the NHL’s most well-rounded blueliners – big, fast, able to move the puck and capable of playing 30 minutes a game against top forwards. If Phaneuf rebounds from a poor 2009, the Flames should be downright stingy.

Calgary Flames odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
The window is closing on Miika Kiprusoff’s effectiveness. While he’s still a No. 1 goalie – he led the NHL in wins last season – he lacks consistency and is prone to “the bad game.” For five straight seasons, his save percentage has declined and his goals against average has risen. Thankfully for Calgary, Kipper should see less rubber in 2009-10 and I’m betting that will keep him fresher.

Calgary Flames odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
The Flames’ power play has been anemic for a good decade and that likely won’t change this season. Iginla, Olli Jokinen and Phaneuf are all fine trigger men but Calgary’s problem is always a lack of a true quarterback. Could Bouwmeester fill that role adequately?

Thanks to shutdown defenders like Cory Sarich and a stable of speedy checking forwards, Calgary’s penalty kill was outstanding last season and should repeat its success with Sutter calling the shots.

Calgary Flames odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
The big, tough Flames should keep the puck out of the net better this season and are pretty much a lock to make the playoffs. However, despite Bouwmeester’s presence, the Flames lost too much on offense to improve overall. Expect another season of contention and eventual disappointment.

For Calgary Flames odds to win the Stanley Cup, check out our sportsbook. Keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com for any other sports betting advice you need.

Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.