If you ask me, our puck possession is largely thanks to four guys: Giordano, Brodie, Russel and Wideman. The passing game that these four have brought to the table thus far this year is the biggest single factor for the Flames' success, IMO. Sure Hiller has stolen a few games this season and the Hiller/Ramo tandem has kept the Flames in most games -- but the Flames still have to outscore the opposition. I think the puck possession numbers fall off a cliff if you look at the Smid-Engelland pairing. The modern NHL lives and dies on how effective your outlet passing game is...
|