Forwards

Will Jarome Iginla still be able to keep up his play after the lockout? Iginla will be expected to lead the offense in Calgary; in the past 11 seasons Iginla has at least 30 goals per season and hasn't slowed down. It would be unexpected if this is the year that Iginla starts to show some sort of decline. Aiding Iginla will be Mike Cammalleri on his second stint with the Flames; his chemistry with Iginla lead to his career-high in points during his first time in Calgary with an 82 point season. Jiri Hudler, who was signed as a free agent will be expected to produce, and may come out of the playing shadow of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

Defense

Denis Wideman got how much money? Feaster took a chance when he acquired the rights of Wideman and then signed him to a humungous contract. Wideman should improve the powerplay, but he can still be a liability in his own zone. Then there is the enigma that is Jay Bouwmeester and will he finally be able to get the monkey off his back. Bouwmeester has now played 717 NHL games without appearing in a single playoff game. He needs to be the impact player that he was supposed to be when Calgary traded for his rights from the Florida Panthers. While his assist total has stayed the same in Calgary he has only averaged four goals per season compared to the 14 goal average his last three years in Florida.

Goalies

Will Miikka Kiprusoff still be one of the most overworked goalies in the NHL? While being one of the premiere goalies in the league, Calgary has over worked Kiprusoff year-after-year. After the 2004-05 lockout, Kiprusoff has appeared in at least 70 games per season. We are now seeing a common thought prevailing in the NHL where starters should lessen their starts during the regular-season to preserve for the playoffs. Now in a shortened season it may help if Henrik Karlsson can take a couple starts to save Kipper down the stretch.

Projected Outcome

The Flames believe they have two solid lines to compete in the Western Conference, thanks in large part to the signings of Roman Cervenka and Jiri Hudler. With Jarome Iginla in the last year of his contract, he's going to want to battle for a playoff spot -- anything less will be a huge disappointment. General manager Jay Feaster feels this team can compete, but it will be interesting to see how the blueline helps out its goaltending. Jay Bouwmeester really needs to step up in a huge way, at both ends of the rink, this season. He's never played in the playoffs, and taking advantage of the shortened schedule could get him there.

3 Players to Watch
 

	Roman Cervenka Who is this Roman Cervenka guy? Cervenka has played his last two seasons in the KHL with Avangard Omsk putting up impressive numbers including being third in league scoring two seasons ago. Feaster did have to pay to bring Cervenka across the ocean to the NHL(1 year, 3.775 with bonus money). If he does make it over here and is healthy, of which currently he has some health issues, he’ll be expected to score.
	Mike Cammalleri It will be interesting if Cammalleri can return to his scoring prowess after a disappointing couple of years in Montreal. He never really fit in during his time in Montreal, and being back with Calgary may be the catalyst behind a better season.
	Jiri Hudler Hudler will also have to have a big impact in his first season as a Flame. Will Cammalleri and Hudler be able to play under the system of Bob Hartley? These three forwards all need to bring their best this season.

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