Quote:
Originally Posted by Nuje
I think that's a bunch of BS that's been perpetuated around Calgary for a long time.
The whole "if the Flames play hard they win almost every time" is getting old. While the statement itself is true, people assume that the top teams in the league are up there because they play their best every night. The problem is simply a lack of talent (of all sorts) on the Flames, that has been a problem for a very long time now. The best teams have the ability to work harder than the Flames most nights, for two reasons.
1. Since they have better players, they're probably in better shape on average, and
2. Their talent means they don't have to grind to the point of bodies that are sore 5 days later, hence it's more likely that they're capable of repeating it the same game.
Factor in, as well, a talented team's ability to steal a couple games that they got outplayed in due to talented player X having a wicked lucky night (made possible by their skill) and you have a team who's going to win a lot of games. Miikka Kiprusoff truly allowed us to mitigate much of these problems for a very long time. Without him, that great team having a bad night will probably STILL beat the Flames half the time, unless they play to a T AND get lucky as well. 4 decent scoring chances usually equals at least 3 goals against the Flames when Kipper isn't there to save us.
The gap between us and the teams talented enough to win a playoff round or two (which damn well be the minimum anyone wants to aim for) is immense right now. Real life sports aren't some inspirational movie. Motivation and good feelings can be helpful, but they can only take you so far. The best incentive to play better is evidence that better play is likely to result in wins. We don't see that right now.
|
Obviously there is more to it. However, it isn't only the fact that they aren't winning. I can stomach losing when you watch them put forth a solid effort. I cant stand watching them lay down and be dominated for 80% of a game. Someone has to go out and spark the team, and when you are the captain, that is your job. Does he do it? Throw a hit, create a chance, get in someones face. Dont just sit there joking with whoever is beside you on the bench, then go float around for 25 seconds. If Jarome goes out and puts in a good effort, you would be surprised how far it would go. If he doesn't want that responsibility, maybe relinquish the "C". Everyone knows what the guy is capable of, and how well conditioned he is, but thats what is frustrating.