Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick M.
I think we're marginally better than last year but we'll finish lower in the standings due to greater improvement by other Pacific Division teams.
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What other teams?
Anaheim is arguably better, but I can't see their improvement affecting the Flames at all. I expect SJ and LA to play at around the same level, which again will not affect the Flames at all. Phoenix could very well be worse, so if anything increases the Flames chances to possibly improve.
This would leave Vancouver and Edmonton. I will grant that Edmonton made a marginal improvement, but they were so, SO bad last year that it likely ends up being negligible with regards to their placement in the WC. Did the Canucks improve? They traded away their best forward, and are easily worse up front. The Sedins are another year older, and they have started to show their age for two or three years now. Is Miller an improvement in goal? If he is at all, it is not very significant. Even still, since they finished ahead of the Flames, I again do not see how this would contribute to a lower finish for Calgary.
Sorry. I can see a possible scenario in which the Flames may finish worse than last season, but it will not be because of improvements from within their own division.