The 2001–02Calgary Flamesseason was the 22ndNational Hockey League season in Calgary. It began with wholesale changes, as second year General Manager Craig Button continued to change the look of the team. In two separate draft-day trades, the Flames dealt goaltender Fred Braithwaite and forwards Valeri Bure and Jason Wiemer away, gaining back Roman Turek and Rob Niedermayer. The changes appeared to pay off, as the Flames stormed out to a 13–2–2–2 record, and first place in the division. The result prompted the Flames to sign Turek - a pending unrestricted free agent - to a long-term deal. The team, however, collapsed, winning only 19 of their remaining 63 games, finishing 4th in the Northwest Division, and out of the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. The season ended with head coach Greg Gilbert and top forward Marc Savard in a bitter, public feud that included the latter demanding a trade late in the season and into the summer. Individually, Jarome Iginla broke into the spotlight, leading the NHL in goals and points. His season would land him the Rocket Richard Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award. Iginla also finished second in Hart Memorial Trophy voting, tied with winner Jose Theodore on points, but behind Theodore in first place votes. Iginla was also a member of Canada's team at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. He recorded two goals in the gold medal game against the United States, which Canada won 5–2 to claim their first ice hockeygold medal in 50 years.
Regular season
The Flames were involved in a tragic incident during their March 16, 2002, game in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. During the second period of the contest, a slapshot by Columbus' Espen Knutsen was deflected into the crowd off the stick of Flames defenceman Derek Morris. The puck struck a fan, 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil, who was at her first NHL game. Though she was able to leave the game under her own power, the blow tore a vertebral artery and resulted in a blood clot. She died two days later; she was the first fan to die at a game in the NHL's 85-year history. Three months after the incident, the NHL instituted a policy requiring that protective netting be placed around the ends of each rink prior to the start of the 2002–03 season, a decision which both the Flames and Blue Jackets advocated.
Schedule and results
Playoffs
The Flames finished 11th in the Western Conference, 15 points back of the 8th place Vancouver Canucks. This was the sixth consecutive season the Flames failed to qualify for the post-season.
Player statistics
Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes †Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Calgary. Stats reflect time with the Flames only. Bold text denotes league leader.
Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout losses; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
Transactions
The Flames were involved in the following transactions during the 2002–03 season:
The baby Flames followed up their Calder Cup winning season with a disappointing 29–34–13–4 result in 2001–02, finishing in last place in the Canadian Division, missing the playoffs. Blair Betts led the Flames with just 49 points, while Dany Sabourin was the top goaltender in limited action.
The Chiefs finished the 2001–02 ECHL season with a 39–31–2 record, good enough for third place in the Northwest Division. They were knocked out of the playoffs in the second round by the Dayton Bombers.
