The new look of the Flames is starting to take shape, and it appears the club will finally become younger and faster.

Defenseman Mark Giordano, who bolted for Russia last season instead of accepting a two-way contract, has reportedly re-signed with the team.

Giordano, who'll turn 25 before the season begins, can't officially ink a new pact until July 1, but has apparently agreed to a three-year deal.

He currently is part of Canada's World Championship team as an alternate.

Giordano played 55 NHL games over two seasons and collected seven goals and nine assists. He spent last season with Moscow Dynamo and netted four goals and nine helpers.

Most likely a fifth/sixth pairing defenseman, Giordano's excellent skating ability and touch of offense will help the team's second power play unit and he could play in the top four if necessary.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
A week into December, the Flames were floundering, sitting 13th in the Western Conference and struggling as they embarked on a six-game road trip.

True, the competition was hardly a who's who of the NHL -- Chicago, Florida, Tampa Bay, Carolina, St. Louis and Columbus, none of which made the playoffs -- but the Flames ran the table and returned home riding a six-game winning streak that vaulted them back into contention.

TURNING POINT
After taking two of the first three games in their best-of-seven playoff series with San Jose, the Flames were on the verge of taking a stranglehold of the series in Game 4

Despite being horribly out-shot, they had a 2-1 lead with five minutes remaining in regulation. But San Jose's Jonathan Cheechoo scored on a sharp-angled top-corner shot, and with 10 seconds remaining Joe Thornton redirected a point shot for the game-winning goal.

Instead of having three chances to earn that series-winning victory to advance to the second round of the playoffs, the Flames had lost momentum and the Sharks could taste victory.

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