Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Could Improper Strength Training be a Problem for the Flames?

Calgary4LIfe · 11-13-2013, 03:39 PM

I think the 'problem' is that this team is small. I know Backlund tested as the fittest Flame, so how was his strength benchmarks? I think the OP should start there.

At the end of the day, San Jose comes in and out-muscles the Flames because they are bigger, older and more talented. I would be surprised if strength and conditioning was a factor at all.

Also, cardio would probably play an equal role in how able a player can be 'strong' on the puck. Doesn't matter how big you are, if you are tired you are going to get out-muscled by smaller guys as not only the game wears on, but individual shifts.

There are lots of variables, but if you are bringing Baertschi as part of your concern, I would think it is being concerned about nothing. He is young and on the smaller side - will take him a couple of seasons to get his man-strength up. Backlund - ok, possibly. But before judging him, look up his stats from the fitness testing (I have no idea how he did in the strength portions), but probably would make sense to start there. Some players just take more time.

Also, balance is an integral part of how 'strong' you can seem out on that ice. How strong of a skater you are - not just in speed, but in edgework and balance. Probably a lot more to analyze here, and I don't think this is a terrible thread to discuss.

11-13-2013, 03:39 PM	#9
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I think the 'problem' is that this team is small. I know Backlund tested as the fittest Flame, so how was his strength benchmarks? I think the OP should start there. At the end of the day, San Jose comes in and out-muscles the Flames because they are bigger, older and more talented. I would be surprised if strength and conditioning was a factor at all. Also, cardio would probably play an equal role in how able a player can be 'strong' on the puck. Doesn't matter how big you are, if you are tired you are going to get out-muscled by smaller guys as not only the game wears on, but individual shifts. There are lots of variables, but if you are bringing Baertschi as part of your concern, I would think it is being concerned about nothing. He is young and on the smaller side - will take him a couple of seasons to get his man-strength up. Backlund - ok, possibly. But before judging him, look up his stats from the fitness testing (I have no idea how he did in the strength portions), but probably would make sense to start there. Some players just take more time. Also, balance is an integral part of how 'strong' you can seem out on that ice. How strong of a skater you are - not just in speed, but in edgework and balance. Probably a lot more to analyze here, and I don't think this is a terrible thread to discuss.