Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Well now the tough thing for the Flames is as they move forward and start bringing in more kids if they pick up the banner of the ruthless work ethic.
We know that Granlund came up and picked it up right away, but how about when you start pushing the Ferlands, and the Klimchuks etc.
Does this team keep the hard working attack philosophy like they had this year?
We know that Hartley likes his offensive systems so I'm not too worried about pouring more skill into the lineup, but will they strap on their workboots?
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I think the key to that is continually having prospects/rookies working into the line-up each year. That was a major downfall of the D.Sutter years as they had virtually no young guys taking spots and ended up with guys like Jeff Freisen cashing cheques on the 4th line.
You need at a few 'balls to walls' veteran leaders who bring it no matter what (it will be Gio/Backlund/Bouma here perhaps Stajan) and then you need internal competition to keep the other players in line. If a Ferland isn't bringing it, you have a Jooris/Hanowski/Agostino ready in the wings to take his spot until he learns it or he sits in the AHL.