Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Upswing:
* We can probably expect sustained improvement from Brodie and Backlund.
* Granlund and Wotherspoon will benefit from a full season.
* I expect a trade/signing or two to get bigger.
Downswing:
* Probably won't replace Cammalleri's goals
* Doubtful both Hudler and Giordano follow up with another career year
* Sophomore jinx likely for at least one of Mohahan or Colborne
Neutral:
* Ramo hasn't shown he can play at high level for full season
* Not a great crop of UFAs available to improve roster externally
Verdict:
About the same
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I usually read your posts and you are one of those that tend to give me second thoughts on my takes sometimes. But in regards to become in playoff contention, I think it is a matter of the Calgary Flames playing a
full season. We always start out horrible, dig ourselves a hole, and it's way too late to get out of it. If we play like we did after January 18th (best birthday present ever by the way, I hate Torts and my birthday is on the 18th of January, for those that care), we can be a playoff team.
I think Hartley has figured us out, and of course there are still going to be growing pains, possible injuries that affect us, how our newly added free agents are going to play.
But I truly think that the reason why we don't make the playoffs is we don't know how to play a full season just yet. Every since B. Sutter coached this team, we could never play a consistent first half of the season. Always finished strong, but always finished out of playoff contention.
I think it's safe to judge how the Flames will be after the first 20-30 games. If they even a little over .500, we should have high hopes.