Calgary Flames 2014-15 Season Preview

Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston College Eagles forward Johnny Gaudreau (13) scores a goal against Union Dutchmen goalie Colin Stevens (30) and defenseman Jeff Taylor (2) during the first period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

 1.  Can Johnny Gaudreu survive full time NHL duty? – The Hobey Baker winner made his NHL debut last season after his NCAA career came to an end.  Gaudreau is generously listed at 5’9″, 150 lbs, and although he scored a goal in his only NHL game, it will be a test to see if he can indeed play at that size.  He has all the talent in the world and should be fun to watch his development and his attempt to strike another cord for the little guy.

2. Can Jonas Hiller carry the club? –  The Flames will not be a playoff team this year, or probably next.  However, whether or not they will be respectable will be determined by the play of their new netminder.  He was unceremoniously allowed to walk out of Anaheim because they had a couple of young studs waiting for their chance, and Hiller proved inconsistent at best down the stretch and lost his job in the playoffs.  History suggests that the more work he gets, the better he plays, and that theory will be put to the test in Cowtown.

3.  Is Bob Hartley the right coach to rebuild with? – Hartley is a taskmaster who is the farthest thing going from a “player’s coach”.  While he might get the best out of some of his players, it could come at the cost of alienating some of the younger talent.