Quote:
Originally Posted by Oil Stain
I agree that its a good bet that the Flames will be better in goal this year with the Hiller/Ramo tandem.
But I still think it could go either way. The list of NHL goalies that had a decent half season is 8 miles long.
So I would say, looks better, but it's still a big question mark.
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This is going to be a very interesting year for hockey in Alberta. Both teams have very similar goaltending duos, but with different expectations. Scrivens (28) has a mere 72 NHL appearances under his belt, with the highest number being 40 games last season, between two teams. Fasth (32) has 37 appearances to his credit, with the highest being 25 games in 2012-2013. These guys are expected to really improve the Oilers fortunes in net even though they have never been in a starting role or played the weight of a full season. Ramo (28) has only 88 appearances in his career, the highest being 40 last season. Hiller (32) is the only one of the bunch with any real starting experience, appearing in 326 games during his career, with a high of 73 games 2011-12, and 50 games last season. I don't see a huge improvement for either team, but if one team does have potential to see a rebound of any sort, Calgary has the advantage with Hiller being a proven starter in the past.
The thing about good goaltending is it is usually directly related to the quality of defensive scheme implemented in front of them. The Flames play an aggressive brand of hockey and block a lot of shots. That should help make Ramo/Hiller look decent. I don't think either of them are good goaltenders, and are more likely to be back up quality goaltenders at this point, but it really doesn't matter as this team is going no where fast. It is a worse lineup than last season and will have to rely on grinding teams into the ice, or teams taking them for granted, to score any wins this year. The Oilers, on the other hand, are going to have to make a complete change in their style of play if they hope for any success. They cannot be giving up 30+ shots a night and think their fortunes are going to change. I think the only way we'll be able to effectively evaluate these teams is to see their style of play and make a call then. I think they both end up as bottom feeders, engaged in a turtle derby for the bottom of the conference and league. That is to be expected for the Flames, but should be another embarrassment for the Oilers if that comes to fruition.