While it may be too soon to judge the Flames performances and given the extent of Kiprusoff’s injury is not yet known, it could be premature to even look at this.  But judging by the comments from Roger Millions of Sportsnet via Twitter this morning, the Flames are going to need help in goal.

Asked #Flames goaltending coach Clint Malarchuk about Irving in possible Kipper absence. Malarchuk says ” he will shine”. He’ll need to.

— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) February 6, 2013

It’s believed that Kari Ramo will be called up from the AHL to back up Leland Irving until the seriousness of the injury is determined.  Of course if the 36-year old should miss any great deal of time, the Flames do have the option of dealing for another proven goalie to help carry the load.

Kiprusoff was expected to play in over 40 games this season which would be nothing new for the workhorse who’s averaged 72 starts per year over the past 7 seasons in Calgary.

He is without a doubt the rock of the Calgary Flames, stealing games that the team has no business winning.  He’s also the type of goalie that if the team can sneak into the playoffs, Kiprusoff could get hot and carry this Flames team deep into the spring, making another run at the Cup like they did in 2004.

Of course that could all be here say if the former all-star is set to miss a month or more, something that could force the Flames hand in to acquiring another netminder.

Roger Millions throws a few names out there that could be had like Scott Clemensen from the Florida Panthers or the obvious one that will come up a lot is Jonathan Bernier of the Los Angeles Kings.

Bernier won’t come cheap and it may be foolish for the Flames to part ways with any more prospects given their cupboards are finally being restocked.  If the club is playing well in Kipper’s absence will they want to give up roster players who are making up the nucleus of the team?

Many questions remain surrounding the Flames and Miikka Kiprusoff and while we wait for answers, Flames fans will hold their breath as their season hangs in the balance on their goaltenders injury.

First out west where the Flames are getting set to host the Anaheim Ducks tonight at the Scotiabank Saddledome.  Calgary sent goalie Henrik Karlsson to the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL and will go with Leland Irving as the backup to Miikka Kiprussoff.

The Flames have said that Kiprussoff will play over 40 games this season, meaning Leland or Karlsson will need to be sharp when given the rare start in goal.

The winless Philadelphia Flyers have recalled Tye McGinn from their AHL affiliate, Adirondack.  McGinn is being recalled in place of Zac Rinaldo who suffered a leg injury and is expected to be out for roughly a week.  In 33 games with the Phantoms this season, McGinn has scored 11 goals and added 4 assists while compiling 52 minutes in penalties.

Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman, Tomas Kundratek from the Hershey Bears of the AHL.  Kundratek, who was drafted in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has scored an impressive 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 41 games in Hershey this year.  Last season in Washington he appeared in 5 games and failed to register a point.

For more on the Calgary Flames, visit our site – Flame for Thought.

For more on the Philadelphia Flyers, visit our site – Broad Street Buzz.

For more on the Washington Capitals, visit our site – Stars and Sticks.

If you are interested in writing for any of our Fansided sites, please fill out our application form here.