The Calgary Flames finally got into the win column, earning their first (and only) victory of the season against Tampa Bay this week. The fanfare of the first victory didn't last long, as the team began moving out some pieces to begin planning for the future. Ron Tugnut was moved to the aforementioned Tampa Bay Lightning. In the process, 18 year old center Sylvain Bloudin and $500,000.00 cash were sent to Calgary. Dave Morrison was also moved to Chicago, with John McIntyre and Craig Johnston being acquired by the Flames. Hopefully, the increased discipline will lead to fewer shorthanded benches.

Injuries and suspensions were the other story this past week for the Flames. Suspensions to Warren Rychel, Mark Kumpel, Trent Yawney, and Gilbert Delorme led to a roster crunch and the unnecessary early season depletion of funds. Coupled with injuries to Dana Murzyn, the Flames dealt with a short bench one game, and an unbalanced roster for others.

It remains to be seen how the Flames can compete with the current state of the team. Further moves cannot be ruled out as Calgary searches for some success 12 games into the season.