I think too many people are expecting too much of the Flames too soon. New coach, new system, 1 brand new top 4 d-man who is also #1 on the PP, and 3 new players in the top 9. That is a lot of change.
Lines are not set yet. Chemistry hasn't evolved yet. Players like Tanguay playing out of position. They are looking better every game - haven't put in a complete game yet, and they sometimes look 'scrambly' out there.. but I do think they are improving. We also haven't seen what the 'real team' looks like yet with Cervenka and Hudler.
Give it until game 10. See where they are in the standings, and how they are performing on the ice before begging to tear it down, or excessively praising them. This is a shortened season, and with all the moves without the benefit of a preseason, it is not difficult at least to give them the benefit of the doubt for the first few games. I will be happy if they are 500 at the 10 game mark, but trending upward. Anything past that, and it may be too late to wish for the playoffs.
At the very least, I am happy to see a much more entertaining product on the ice. I was missing an offensive team for a long time now.
With regards to Cervenka and Hudler, what do you guys think? Will they start together, or be put on separate lines? They haven't developed any chemistry with anyone on the team, and not sure if they are up to speed on the system either. Putting them on different lines might make those other lines shaky, or perhaps get them up to speed faster. What do you guys think?
I am hoping Hartley puts Cammy-Cervenka-Hudler as a line. Cammy hasn't shown any chemistry with anyone, so why not try him with two new faces?
|