Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike F
I think the difference between last year's and this year's team both is and is not a reflection on Iginla.
I agree with you that the notion that he was lazy or a coach killer was completely unfounded. This season has shown that he's willing to play within the system a coach installs without cheating or having the team succeed in spite of him.
That being said, one of the big successes this year is the way this group of players became a team, with many guys taking on leadership roles on and off the ice. That didn't and wouldn't have happened with Iginla here not because he actively discouraged it, but because everyone saw the Flames as Iginla's team on and off the ice. I imagine it would have been really hard for a young guy like Backlund or a new guy like Hudler to become a force in the dressing room when you have the face of the franchise, the all time leading scorer, an NHL all-star, and first ballot hall of famer there. Similarly, when a big goal was needed on the ice, it's easy to sit back and leave it to Iginla because of how often he'd done it in the past.
When Iginla left, it left a huge gap that either would have been a void that crushed the team, or an opportunity that lead to growth. The fact that the Flames have flourished in Iginla's absence should be as credit to the strength of the guys left behind, not a fault of the guy that left.
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First off, I will say I am not surprised Iggy got 30+ this season. I have been saying it all year, the guy can still play the game. He is a beauty.
So there is an element of true to this statement, however, using the word flourished is a huge over statement.
The Flames are playing much more exciting hockey, and playing with a lot of heart and purpose, which they didn't have in the past few seasons. They rarely get blown out and play in a lot of close games.
The fact is though, this season is going to be the lowest point totals Calgary has had in over a decade. They are going to finish in the bottom 5 in the NHL, which is exactly what everyone expected. Obviously Iginla and Kipper kept them from being a bad team these past few years, but it was time to move on. Calgary wanted to be a good team again, not just a team thats not bad.
What we didn't expect was them to put on such a good show while losing most games. I am not going to lie, I am enjoying watching the Flames this season. They are still a very bad hockey team though, and the rebuild has just began. There are positives everywhere and the future is starting to look good for Calgary, as a rebuild should if done right. I just think to say the Flames are flourishing without Iginla is just not true. They are in a new era, and are playing a different brand now.
I will add, In year one of Calgary's rebuild, they are miles ahead of Edmonton who is in year 7 of there rebuild.
Anyways, Iginla fits in with Boston like a glove. Love to see this success. He has worked for it and deserves it. It makes it so much more fun to watch him play when he plays with a purpose. He will finish with 35 goals!! 7 games left.