Calgary Flames Need Alex Tanguay More Than Ever

Alex Tanguay has been in the National Hockey League for 12 years and while in his second tour of duty with the Calgary Flames, he has picked up a lot of scoring slack this season with seven points in seven games. Tanguay is now going to be expected to do even more with goalie Miikka Kiprusoff out right now for Calgary. The Flames can score goals, but it will be up to a veteran like Tanguay to pick up any extra slack for a team that is going to need even more goals now.

Tanguay is capable of increasing his scoring since he scored 22 goals just two seasons ago for Calgary. Tanguay, along with Jarome Iginla have a game on Thursday night on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be a major test for the Flames being across the continent for a game against a team that is struggling themselves.

This is the perfect chance for Tanguay to show what he can still do at age 33. It is veteran leadership in these situations that allow a team to get through some rough times on the ice. If Tanguay can keep averaging around a point a game while Kiprusoff is out, Calgary should be able to tread water and maybe make a second-half run towards a playoff spot. The talent is there, and it is just up to Tanguay to utilize it to keep his team from slipping too far down in the standings.

Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.