Is this team "tough" enough to compete next year?

[bluck]

With the loss of Engelland and as the roster currently sits, is this team tough enough to compete in the Western Conference? I know they will win games and will most likely secure a playoff spot. However we know in the playoffs you have to have that physical element that can not only muck it up when needed but also play and contribute.

I look the Ducks and Oilers with the likes of Lucic, Maroon, and Kassian and all three not only add that physical element but can also play.

When I asses the Flames roster, I only see Ferland who honestly didn't show a lot of what he his physically capable of last year. I see a big gap here. Do you think Brad Treliving works to focus and improve this before the season starts?

[Finger Cookin]

"Yes"

[hockey.modern]

Ferland, Tkachuk, Hamonic, Brouwer?, Bennett?

[R2theJ]

Two words... Brian Boyle

[Geeoff]

I wouldn't consider the Penguins or the Predators particularly tough. More important to put a skilled team on the ice.

[bluck]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Ferland, Tkachuk, Hamonic, Brouwer?, Bennett?

I think Brouwer showed nothing last year. He had his opportunities especially when we played the Kings and he did nothing. Tkachuk will only be a 19 years old, yes he brings that physical in your face element but he is still a kid. I do agree with Hamonic though, his style should help fill some of that gap; however, I still feel it needs to be addressed

[bluck]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

"Yes"

Is that a "yes" to if the Flames can compete or if Tre brings in someone? Either way, I hope you get the "Thanks" you were looking for

[GranteedEV]

Hey are "tougher" than both cup finalists. I am more concerned about discipline and goal scoring.

[TheFlamesVan]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Hey are "tougher" than both cup finalists. I am more concerned about discipline and goal scoring.

It's easy for this argument this year. The 4 prior Stanley cup finals were the exact opposite (except for Pittsburgh..... but no team in the league is as fast as the Penguins).

This team can easily make the playoffs, but I think it'll be tough to make it out of the western conference with who the Flames have to deal with. Ferland, Tkachuk & Hamonic help for sure. And Brouwer can, if actually brings some passion....

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Ferland, Tkachuk, Hamonic, Brouwer?, Bennett?

The potential is definitely there. Mostly just need actual mass on a few of those guys! Gio is no slouch either.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by TheFlamesVan

Mostly just need actual mass on a few of those guys!

Nah, I'd prefer 2017 Matt Tkachuk than 2017 Keith Tkachuk.

[RougeUnderoos]

Regarding Pittsburgh, they just traded for the closest thing to a goon left in the league. Sure they won twice without him, but apparently they feel he fills a need.

I think the Flames have the same need. Not a goon, but someone like Engelland would be great. A guy who can play his shift and is willing to drop the gloves with anyone.

Times have changed, but it's still hockey.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by TheFlamesVan

It's easy for this argument this year. The 4 prior Stanley cup finals were the exact opposite (except for Pittsburgh..... but no team in the league is as fast as the Penguins).

This team can easily make the playoffs, but I think it'll be tough to make it out of the western conference with who the Flames have to deal with. Ferland, Tkachuk & Hamonic help for sure. And Brouwer can, if actually brings some passion....



The potential is definitely there. Mostly just need actual mass on a few of those guys! Gio is no slouch either.

Chicago was not a particularly tough team. They could take it, but we're always outhit.


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[MisterJoji]

Having Smith as an excellent passer will help the D get hit a lot less, effectively mitigating guys like Lucic, Kassian, etc.

[timbit]

Top end puck possession teams always have fewer hits than lower end puck possession teams for the obvious reason.

They have the puck.

Check the team stats over the last few years.

It's all about competing in the tough areas.

Winning loose puck races and battles, as well as getting to the high danger scoring areas.

Lots of people would be right in arguing that Patrice Bergeron and players of his ilk are the toughest players in the league.

They keep possession alive by getting to loose pucks. They pay a heavy price by taking a lot of hits...but they maintain and drive puck possession.

The Flames need more of that in their lineup.

[FireGilbert]

I'm over these lack of toughness questions. The Flames were not pushovers at all last season. The regular seasons sweep by Edmonton and playoff sweep by Anaheim had nothing to do with a lack of toughness and everything to do with goaltending. LA and San Jose were pretty big teams too and the Flames won the season series against both.

Also, they have replaced a 15 minute a night aging defencman in Engelland with a 22 minute a night young defencman in Hamonic. If anything the team is now tougher to play against.

[1qqaaz]

Weren't the Flames one of the top PIM teams?
Weren't Pittsburgh and Nashville among the smallest and least physical teams?

I think that coaching styles have a lot to do with the necessity of team toughness.
The Flames have a large number of low-skilled checkers (Bouma, Chiasson, Stajan, Brouwer, Hathaway, etc). They don't need to sacrifice any skill or speed to gain toughness.

That said, it would be nice to have a player like Hanzal down the middle.

[Gaudfather]

Not a good thing to lead in PIM's. Toughness and discipline are two different things. Hopefully we see an improvement in the Flames discipline this year.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by timbit

Top end puck possession teams always have fewer hits than lower end puck possession teams for the obvious reason.

They have the puck.

Check the team stats over the last few years.

It's all about competing in the tough areas.

Winning loose puck races and battles, as well as getting to the high danger scoring areas.

Lots of people would be right in arguing that Patrice Bergeron and players of his ilk are the toughest players in the league.

They keep possession alive by getting to loose pucks. They pay a heavy price by taking a lot of hits...but they maintain and drive puck possession.

The Flames need more of that in their lineup.

Spot on.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by timbit

Top end puck possession teams always have fewer hits than lower end puck possession teams for the obvious reason.

They have the puck.

Check the team stats over the last few years.

It's all about competing in the tough areas.

Winning loose puck races and battles, as well as getting to the high danger scoring areas.

Lots of people would be right in arguing that Patrice Bergeron and players of his ilk are the toughest players in the league.

As a hater of the Pittsburgh Penguins I haven't miss a playoff game they played in the last 2 seasons. The other factor to why teams that hit seem to have lower possession numbers is the countless times you see a team playing that game where they need to "wear them out" lose puck possession on plays where they finished the hit rather than taking the loose puck

Today's NHL this issue is very overrated.

Winning board battles is what you need and I feel the Flames aren't elite at this but guys like Backlund, Frolik, Tkachuk are top end at winning these battles.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Jankowski has some size and spunk. I think he projects to be an "Every Successful Team Has A Guy Like That" type.