ward has been saying nice enough things about the flames since last season. I just think he really li,es the way they play and likely believes in the youngsters. Having said that in the tough west I don't see how the flames get out of the basement unless Gio is in the running for the Norris, Monahan becomes a legit first line C, Johnny wins the Calder, and our goalies light it up. There is just not enough scoring talent up front and this team is still a ways away from being a contender for the playoffs.
Even if they somehow shock the world I see them being like the Avs a few years ago and fall back to earth because the long term pieces have not matured enough to carry this team for the long haul and there is too big a gap between guys like Monahan and Gaudreau compared to Glencross, Stajan, and Hudler. Outside of Backlundthis team lacks top 6 forwards in the 22-27 age group
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