This is a great re-build. The team is more supportable/cheer-able than the teams of the last 4 years.... well since Bouwmeester became a Flame and Phanuef was traded away.
After almost a quarter of the season gone they haven't stunk out the joint or just mailed in no effort after falling down by 2 goals.
There are virtually no players playing below expectations..... Maybe Glencross but even he was playing somewhat in the range that he has established.
Brodie is doing great in his first real year as a top-4 d-man. Wideman and Hudler are playing great after being very disappointing UFA signings last year.
Cammalleri is putting up goal totals that will bring back a mid-round 1st round pick at the trade deadline. Not much of a reach that he will have 30 goals at the trade deadline.
The new guys: Jones, Galliardi, Bouma, Monahan, Russell, Colbourne have critical mass and have changed the way the Flames play hockey.
SOB is the only addition that hasn't stepped up and he just got moved back in the line-up by Smid, who will be a Flame the next time they make the playoffs.
If they can keep playing hard and end up with a lottery draft pick that would be the best possible hope for this season.
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