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Calgary Flames 2017 postmortem: Goaltending douses fire

By Dave Stevenson

CALGARY, AB - APRIL 19: The Anaheim Ducks move on to the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, sweeping the Calgary Flames in 4. As is customary in the NHL, the teams have a handshake at the end of each series during game 4 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Anaheim Ducks and the Calgary Flames on April 19, 2017 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Clint Trahan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - APRIL 19: The Anaheim Ducks move on to the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, sweeping the Calgary Flames in 4. As is customary in the NHL, the teams have a handshake at the end of each series during game 4 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Anaheim Ducks and the Calgary Flames on April 19, 2017 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Clint Trahan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Calgary Flames got swept by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. Here’s to one of the biggest goaltending enigmas the NHL has ever seen. 

Throughout their history, the Calgary Flames have struggled to find franchise goalies. The curse took a turn for a worse when they traded up to draft Trevor Kidd instead of Martin Brodeur. For every Miikka Kiprusoff, there’s been a Jonas Hiller, a Karri Ramo and a Reggie Lemelin. Brian Elliott is the latest goalie to add his name to Calgary’s legacy of bad goaltenders.

Though the Flames got swept by the Anaheim Ducks, it’s not a stretch to say goaltending cost them the series. At the very least, had Elliott been good or had Chad Johnson been given a chance sooner than Game 4, it likely wouldn’t have been a sweep. Yes, they likely don’t win the series, but they at least avoid the humiliation of being swept.

To be fair, there were other factors at play here. Calgary hasn’t won in Anaheim since Jan. 19, 2004. How long ago is that? “Hey Ya” by Outkast was on top of the Billboard charts. It’s the same day Howard Dean made his now infamous scream during a speech. Calgary’s woes in Anaheim were heightened by their inability to execute. The Ducks won by one goal in each of the first three games and the fourth would have as well if it wasn’t for an empty net goal. Calgary had their opportunities to win, including a five on three power play, during which they didn’t generate anything.

The Calgary Flames are on the cusp of being very good. They have young players locked up at reasonable prices long-term. Their defense is at worst above average, as they allowed 90 shots fewer than the league average. You don’t need an elite goaltender to win a Stanley Cup. Henrik Lundqvist and Carey Price are proof of this. But the Flames are on the other end of the extreme, expecting to win with mediocre goalies. It killed them this season.

Where do they go from here?

Assuming the current $73 million salary cap ceiling is stagnant for next season, the Calgary Flames have over $20 million of cap space entering the offseason. Without context, it sounds like a lot. But keep in mind the Flames only have 13 players signed to a contract for next season. Both Elliott and Johnson will be free agents. While the latter could return as a reliable backup, it’s hard to see the former coming back after his terrible postseason. Whether it’s via free agency (Ben Bishop) or trade (Marc-Andre Fleury), Calgary’s top priority is addressing their goaltending. And it probably won’t be cheap.

The Flames have several key restricted free agents, including Sam Bennett, Michael Ferland, Curtis Lazar and Alex Chiasson. They’re likely keeping the first three for a variety of reasons. The first two are important young players while the third was acquired for a hefty price. Chiasson’s future in Calgary isn’t certain, but he’ll likely stay as well if the price is right.

They must re-sign free agent forward Kris Versteeg. The journeyman forward was a huge success for them this season. Versteeg is a great fit in Calgary, providing solid scoring depth at a reasonable price. Other unrestricted free agents include Michael Stone, Dennis Wideman and Deryk Engelland. The first is likely to stay since Calgary only has four defensemen signed through next season. With a weak free agent market, the Flames would be wise to fill their three starting defensemen roles from within.

Hope for the future

The Calgary Flames have some very promising blue line prospects. Their top two are 2015 second round picks Oliver Kylington and Rasmus Andersson. The former is the most likely to see playing time in 2017 while the latter could move up to the NHL depending on how Calgary’s offseason goes. Hunter Shinkaruk could be a contributor after putting up some very impressive numbers in the AHL.

Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau are building blocks. Best of all, the Flames took a chance by signing both of them long-term. Gaudreau’s lingering wrist injury aside, it’s already paying dividends. They have one heck of a shutdown line in Matthew Tkachuk, Michael Backlund and Michael Frolik.

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The Flames need to see this season as a learning experience. They’re a young, fast and exciting team. But the Flames need to make smart offseason moves. It won’t be easy, but if they can find a reasonably priced goaltender, things should fall into place for them.

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