Calgary Flames
Lots To Like In Flames Win, But Milano Wasn’t On List

The Calgary Flames preseason contest against the Seattle Kraken featured plenty of dynamic duos on Monday night.
Andrew Mangiapane and Nazem Kadri showed speed and vision, creating chances with relentless motors.
Blake Coleman and Mikael Backlund picked up where they left off in the playoffs.
Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin were a force on defence.
Sonny Milano and … well, that’s where the chemistry experiment ended.
And after another unimpressive showing during the 4-1 Calgary Flames victory, the end is near for Milano’s PTO contract.
It wouldn’t have been that surprising to see the announcement come out between the second and third periods.
Heck, even the pro-Milano crowd who feel the former Anaheim Ducks winger was left without much ammo.
The only thing left to cling to is the fact Milano hasn’t seen much time with top six forwards since early in camp. That’s true. But if you’re looking to add precious contracts, do you want to see how Milano plays when things are easy? Or would you prefer to find out how he plays when it’s harder. When he has to be the one driving the play?
Head coach Darryl Sutter suggested last week that he’s looking at many on and off-ice elements in his evaluations.
Second efforts and puck battles don’t necessarily mean scoring chances or points, but those parts of the game don’t depend on which linemates are out there with you.
If not enough of those are happening, there will be no happy ending here for the 26-year-old Milano.
An offensive zone hooking penalty didn’t help matters.
There’s no doubt he has skill and upside, but it doesn’t look like Milano fits into the Calgary Flames mould.
Cody Eakin didn’t look out of place as a fourth-line centre between Milan Lucic and Trevor Lewis. He seems to be a better bet of the two PTOs up front.
But if you’re banking on only one of the tryout players making the opening-night roster, it has to be Michael Stone, doesn’t it?
The loyal Calgary Flames rearguard continues to do his thing. Stone scored for the third time in the preseason, joining Hanifin, Tanev and Coleman on the scoresheet.
Calgary Flames lines
Kevin Rooney โ Mikael Backlund โ Blake Coleman
Milan Lucic โ Cody Eakin โ Trevor Lewis
Sonny Milano โ Adam Ruzicka โ Brett Ritchie
Nikita Zadorov โ MacKenzie Weegar
Connor Mackey โ Michael Stone
The goals
The bottom line
