Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinordi
I'd say no we aren't.
The predictive stats like possession and luck indicate the team is playing over its head.
|
I don't think there is any question that this team is playing over its head, and things will regress back to the mean. But in my mind, that means a regression from close to the top to the bubble. The way I interpret the question is whether or not this team will be good enough to make the playoffs: in other words, is this team good enough to be playing meaningful games in March and April? And I think the answer to that question is definitely "yes." Yes, this team is good. Yes, they are not as good as their record. Yes, they will stumble. But no, I don't believe it will be such a big stumble as to see them plummet to the nether-regions of lottery pick territory. I really think that they will be in the hunt all year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinordi
Depth issues - not withstanding call ups performing well on adrenaline - will likely weigh down over the next 20.
|
Honestly, no. Depth becomes a problem if one of Giordano or Brodie miss significant time. Up front, I would say the Flames have excellent depth, and it is showing now. Granlund and Gaudreau have been a revelation. Jooris is better than anyone imagined—and even if he does fall back from his current level of play, he is still a great option for the third line. Ferland looked great before getting hurt. I really don't think they will suffer for want of depth—at least not forward depth.