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Can The New Look Flames Build on Last Season’s Success?

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The 2022-23 National Hockey League (NHL) season is right around the corner, with preseason fixtures taking place in the next couple of weeks and the new regular season getting underway on October 7, when the San Jose Sharks take on Nashville Predators in the NHL’s first-ever fixtures in Prague, Czech Republic.

After topping the Pacific Division by seven points over the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames fans have high hopes for the coming campaign. Could this be the season the Flames navigate their way to the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2004?

Darryl Sutter guided the Flames to their eighth divisional championship last season. The Flames finished with 50 victories from 82 games and a +85 goal difference; only the Florida Panthers (+94) enjoyed a better goal difference in the entire league.

The Flames went on to defeat the Dallas Stars 4-3 in the first round of the playoffs but came unstuck against the Edmonton Oilers, losing 4-1 in the second round. Despite the disappointment of the playoffs and having a new look roster with several comings and goings, the best betting sites price the Flames as sixth favourites for Stanley Cup glory this season. Can they live up to that billing and build on last year’s relative success?

A Handful of Key Players Lost

Let us start with the outgoing players from last season’s roster. Johnny Gaudreau and Erik Gudbranson left for the Colombus Blue Jackets, while Calle Jarnkrok now turns out for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In addition, Matthew Tkachuk put pen to paper with the Florida Panthers. Gaudreau is the most significant loss from that quartet, mainly as the winger contributed an impressive 115 regular season points in addition to 14 more during the short playoffs run.

Everyone at the club wanted Gaudreau to stay as a Flame, and the club offered him a monetary package that would have seen him become one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, but the desire to move closer to his family proved too strong, and Gaudreau left for the Colombus Blue Jackets. Gaudreau signed a seven-year deal with $68.25 million.

Tkachuk is another significant blow to the Flames’ roster. He scored 42 goals and 104 points during the successful regular season last year. Tkachuk refused to sign a new long-term deal with the Flames and was traded to the Panthers with a conditional fourth-round in 2025
in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, Cole Schwindt, and MacKenzie Weegar.

Major Signings Incoming

Losing the players mentioned above would hurt any roster in the NHL, but the backroom management staff worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the Flames are still a force to be reckoned with in 2022-23.

Bringing in Huberdau is a masterstroke. The 29-year-old left winger is a former third overall draft pick who has played more than 670 professional regular season games and is two goals shy of breaking through the 200 barrier. The 2022 NHL All-Star averages almost a point per game and was exceptional last year with 115 points on the board, thanks to 85 assists.

Former Maples Leafs and Avalanche center Nazem Kadri is another shrewd signing; Kadri was instrumental in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022.

How Will The Flames Fare in 2022-23?

Everything points towards another exciting season for Flames fans. In Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vlader, the Flames have excellent goaltenders. Markstrom, in particular, is coming off the back of a career-best season. A solid defensive pairing of Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson should see the Flames remain tough to beat; the Flames had the third-best goals against last year.

The probably starting forward line of Huberdeau, Elias Lindholm, and Tyler Toffoli will need to hit the ground running in this new-look Flames team. Still, even the second line of Dylan Dube, Kadri, and Andrew Mangiapane is enough to cause any NHL opponent plenty of problems.

The Flames should reach the playoffs relatively easily; it is anyone’s game from there. Flames fans have every right to be excited about the upcoming season.

Todayville Content Team works with a wide variety of clients to develop compelling content solutions. Our experienced team develops strategic campaigns that use video and storytelling, digital advertising and social media to help our clients position and distinguish themselves in the market.

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Online Betting Trends of 2024

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Each year brings new trends and fresh ideas to the online gambling industry. The sector has been popular ever since the first digital providers were established in the mid-1990s, but recent  growth has taken gambling to a new level.

The introduction of online play to certain states in the USA from 2018 onwards has provided a huge boost, and projections remain healthy for the foreseeable future.

In order to maintain that momentum, online betting providers need to keep producing new innovations, so what are players likely to be drawn to throughout 2024?

Staying Steady

Some of the trends for 2024 are relatively new ideas, while others are well-established. Live casino rooms fall into the second category, but their popularity continues to increase among new and existing players.

The live experience is as close as possible to that produced in the outside world, and that’s why the trend continues to stay strong. While it is an established area of all major platforms, it doesn’t stand still. Games producers release new, entertaining titles on a regular basis, and that’s another reason why live casinos will continue to attract attention in 2024.

Social Play

One of the newest developments in the industry is the rise in social play. Instead of offering real
money games, the operators use a virtual currency. When players sign up, they are given free coins, and there are many other ways to earn additional funds moving forward.

While it’s not possible to win cash by spinning the slots, or taking your place at the tables, most operators will let players exchange currency for rewards. Gift cards and cash prizes can be obtained when enough coins have been earned, but the emphasis here is on fun and free play.

The social aspect is often enhanced by the operator, who looks to build an online community. It’s an interesting approach to online casinos, and one that’s proving popular this year.

Spin the Wheel

Wheel of Fortune games are already in place in live casino rooms. They are also referred to as “game shows” as the format includes a host, and some titles, such as Deal or No Deal, follow the rules of popular TV programs.

The rules differ between each game, but the basic concept is similar. The host spins the wheel, while players stake on which segment, they think the pointer will land in.

It’s one of the biggest growth areas in online casino play and will increase in popularity over the next twelve months. Game developers are becoming more innovative, and new Wheel of Fortune games arrive online on a regular basis.

Live Slots

Online slots and live casino rooms are the two most popular areas of any casino. Until recently, it’s not been possible to combine them, but that situation has changed, and a new trend is in place for 2024.

Live slot play is now possible, thanks to innovative games providers who set up popular titles in a similar way to wheel of fortune games. Hosts spin the reels, and players see the slot play out in front of them.

As a new concept, live slot games will continue to increase in number, while gameplay improves, but early take up among players suggests this will be a trend to watch in 2024.

The Biggest New Innovation

Virtual reality and augmented reality offer the two most exciting areas of potential for many online industries and the casino sector is no exception. VR technology has been in place for decades, but it’s been slow to influence online casinos and gaming in general.

Players are still waiting for these games to fully take off. The process is slow, but there are some virtual reality titles already in place. Options for roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and slots are available, and the list is expected to grow through 2024 and beyond.

The appeal of virtual reality and augmented reality games is obvious. While live casino play aims to provide a realistic experience, these titles can take that reality concept a stage further.

VR and AR have the ability to take the player into the heart of the action. They can pull up at a table, take their seat, and wait for the turn of the cards or the spin of the roulette wheel. The advances in technology add a high level of realism, and this will offer the closest possible experience to real life gaming without the need to leave home.

The likely casino trends for 2024 offer an interesting mix of games and platforms. Some are new to the industry, and that freshness is one of the reasons why they attract attention.

It will be fascinating to see how the year plays out and whether these predictions are confirmed. The industry continues to innovate, so we may also see new trends that nobody is expecting.

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What Does the Perfume You Wear Say About You?

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In communication classes, one of the most important lessons is that you make over 300 impressions on a person within seconds of meeting them, before you even utter a word. This shows that everything about you, including your fragrance (or lack thereof), will leave an impression on someone you meet for the first time. But what does your perfume say about you? Let’s examine this further.

Personality and Character

Are you someone who prefers a subtle approach or do you tend to make bold moves? Does your choice of fragrance reflect a desire to stand out or simply be appreciated by loved ones? Your perfume can say a lot about your personality and preferences. Similar to clothing style, the scent you wear can convey what you want others to perceive about you. A lively citrus aroma will leave a different impression than a delicate floral scent. Regardless of the selection, it speaks volumes about the wearer’s character and individuality. In essence, perfume is a form of self-expression that doesn’t require words to be understood by those around you.

The Meaning of Specific Fragrances

The correlation between a perfume and the individuality and traits of its wearer has been extensively researched and analyzed. These studies have produced several common observations regarding specific scents. Here is a short summary of those findings, based on the most commonly used fragrances.

Floral

Floral scents don’t always have to be airy and delicate, but they are often associated with those who possess a carefree nature. People who choose these scents tend to have an open and optimistic outlook on life, much like the vibrant colors that bloom in spring. They exude a cheerful and colorful personality.

Fruity

Individuals who wear fruity scents are often characterized as youthful, whether it be in their physical appearance or in their spirit. They possess a high level of energy and have a deep appreciation for life. These individuals exude a vibrant aura that is hard to ignore.

Woody and Earthy

Wood and earth notes have a certain alluring quality to them. Those who are grounded and self-assured tend to gravitate towards these scents. They often have an appreciation for nature and would choose a walk in the great outdoors over a leisurely stroll through the city.

It is important to mention that the strength of a person’s perfume also reveals a lot about their personality. Those who opt for a high concentration clearly want to stand out and be noticed, while those who choose a low concentration prefer to blend into the background. But when it comes to fragrances, the most crucial aspect is finding one that feels right for you. Of course, it’s an added bonus if those around you also appreciate the scent.

 

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