Updated: May 24, 2004, 3:28 PM ET

Warrener bringing leadership

Rhett Warrener's toughness, smarts and veteran leadership rounded out Calgary's young, promising defense..

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By By Jim Wilkie
NHL Insider
Anyone who has been surprised by the Calgary Flames' run to the Stanley Cup finals should have seen this coming back on July 3, 2003. That's when the Flames made their reservation for the finals by acquiring defenseman Rhett Warrener from the Buffalo Sabres.

When the Flames take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night in Game 1, it will be Warrener's third appearance in the Cup finals. Each one has occurred in his first year with each of the three NHL teams he has played for.

"I hope it's not just because of me because I haven't won it yet," Warrener told the Calgary Sun. "I lose a lot of sleep over (not having won the Stanley Cup). You only get so many kicks at the cat."

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