I guess I am the only one that thinks we will do alright next year, and actually make a decent shot at making the playoffs.... Berra is gone, he accounts for many of the losses that we had. Let in too many goals at the wrong time, was inconsistent. I think a Ramo-Ortio duo will have us win a lot more games next year. Not to mention, Ramo is above .500, and Ortio will only get better and be a legit back up goalie, being able to step it up on back to back games and such.
Our defense is doing really well. With the addition of Wotherspoon, we probably won't resign Butler if we are going to use Wideman instead, (I wouldn't mind signing Butler if we wanted to). And the possibility of going after Ekblad would be even better. If that guy is NHL ready, then I would trade our first rounder for next year if that's what it takes. If not our first, our second rounder.
We are one of the top teams in one goal games. We didn't have the chemistry at the beginning of the season, with all of the acquisitions and trades that occurred prior to the season (Russell, Colborne, Smid).
Now there is something that has changed... Everyone is playing as a team, the chemistry is there. Hartley is handling this group of young guys very well. Extend that contract please, he is the right coach for this team.
Don't be surprised if our team makes noise next year, our guys are now learning Hartley's system of playing your hearts out every game. We can all see the results of that. California will be strong next year, but I think the Flames can steal the fourth spot, kicking out the Coyotes out of the picture. Call me crazy, but I am feeling good next year. There are a lot of UFA's that we can go after.
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