The Flames are only two players away from winning the Cup. Unfortunately those players are Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.
Clearly the Flames are lacking:
-a true top center
-some size and grit throughout the lineup (especially down the middle and on D)
-a top D (or at least a shut-down defenseman to play against other teams stars)
So, they're realistically about 5 players away from really making an impact. If they had a #1 C they'd probably make the playoffs. However, the way this team is currently built if they were to make the playoffs there isn't enough size or grit in the lineup. Teams like LA and Boston (for example) would walk all over them.
As a result, I think it's time to *gulp* blow it up or at least start molding this team to be a playoff contender. It's even worse considering that Kiprusoff likely only has 1-2 years left with no clear heir apparent. If the team was only 2 or 3 pieces away I think you could make the argument to stay the course and give them a chance to see what they can do. But when it's a handful of players (or more) short of a contending lineup then it's time to change course.
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