2007 Calgary Flames

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Detroit Red Wings, winners of the 2008 Stanley Cup, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Calgary Flames for the amazing season they had!

The Pengrowth Saddledome was on fire this year, as the Flames lost only 11 times at home all season. Calgary fared a little worse on the road, however, and with 94 points earned, the Flames managed a 3rd place finish in the NHL Northwest Division and a place in the NHL playoffs. The Flames got a stellar season out of Captain Jarome Iginla, who, along with defenseman Dion Phaneuf, earned a ticket to the NHL All-Star Game. Iginla became the Flames’ all-time leading scorer this season, passing Theoren Fleury en route to a 50 goal season and 98 total points. The Flames are a veteran team with the experience and tenacity to go deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Calgary Flames finished a disappointing 3rd place in the Northwest Division in the 2006-07 season, but major changes made in the off season bring high expectations for 2007-08. New head coach “Iron Mike” Keenan wasted no time shaking things up, getting rid of Roman Hamrlik and Brad Stuart and adding Adrian Aucoin and Cory Sarich. With key players Jarome Iginla and Robyn Regehr re-signing (at below market rates!), the Calgary Flames are ready to dominate in the 2007-2008 season. Get your tickets to Pengrowth Saddledome to see how it all comes together and cheer the Flames to victory!

The Calgary Flames began life as the Atlanta Flames in 1972, and despite being an expansion team when the World Hockey Association was stealing players from the NHL, the Flames earned playoff berths in six of their first eight seasons. Big money lured the Flames to Calgary in 1980, where the team has continued to have success, including a Stanley Cup victory in 1989.

The club's early stars included right wing Bob MacMillan and centers Curt Bennett and Tom Lysiak. In the 1980-81 season, the Flames' first year in Calgary, center Kent Nilsson collected a franchise-record 131 points, and the club won its first postseason series. The Flames advanced to the Stanley Cup semifinals before losing to the Minnesota North Stars.

In 1986, under head coach Bob Johnson, Calgary upset the defending-champion Edmonton Oilers in the division finals, and the Flames went on to make their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. Facing the Montreal Canadiens, the Flames won the first game but lost the next four. In 1989, under head coach Terry Crisp, Calgary returned to the Stanley Cup Finals and defeated the Canadiens 4 games to 2. The Flames' lineup featured several NHL All-Star team members, including wings Hakan Loob and Joe Mullen; defensemen Gary Suter, Al MacInnis, and Brad McCrimmon; center Joe Nieuwendyk; and goalie Mike Vernon. That year Vernon ranked first in the league in wins; MacInnis scored a league-high 31 playoff points and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason's most valuable player (MVP).

In the 1990s the Flames earned several division titles and reached the playoffs numerous times, but they failed to advance far in the postseason. In 1995 the team traded Vernon to the Detroit Red Wings. Outstanding Calgary team members of the 1990s included right wing Theoren Fleury, left wing Gary Roberts, and goaltender Trevor Kidd.