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Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
Very good article. It is interesting to see how successful rebuilds have happened and also consider what the finished roster looked like. These teams not only put together the right cores but paid attention to the role players required too.
Not sure that Jankowski projects to be the third line C. This often is the guy that wins draws in the d zone, is tough to play against, shuts down the opposition, and moves the puck up ice. Guys like Staal, Bolland, etc. Stephane Yelle served the Flames well in this capacity though Staal had more offensive upside. Even the Oil recognize this adding Smithson.
The top line centers also have a very good 2 way game in these cases. Something that Olli unfortunately never progressed to above average.
That is what was perplexing about the patchwork approach the past few years. More and more interchangeable wingers. Generalists, not specialists. You can still have top talent on the wings, but you need good 2 way guys up the middle.
They also have guys that get under the other team's skin.
And on size, the Flames entered the season 30th at an average of 195 lbs. They started the season needing to use speed and compete but this faded. They lost confidence and compete.
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It seems that I have been alone in the wilderness in recognizing that the Flames had become the smallest wimpiest team.... possibly ever.
The article really point out that that one of the constants of SC calibre teams is size. Size that is talented and on the ice of a lot of the game.
I remember in 2010-11 when the Oilers came out and spanked the Flames in the season opener with Eberle scoring that pretty goal. Renney had them them all taking the man and playing BIG. I looked at the roster and thought they would be dead after 20 games of small guys playing so big, They finished last.
The road to success seems to be simple...... Good BIG players are >>>>>>>>> small skilled players.
Bourque >>> Cammalleri.... for instance.
You put up with Penner's attitude and work with him because you can't coach Stempniak to be 265 pounds.