[Sylvanfan]

I think most any Flames fan would be willing to accept that it's not likely the team will be able to mount as many late comebacks next year as they have this year. If the team was to put out the exact same lineup and try to duplicate this season they surely would regress, and certainly the results would not be the same.

The thing is that teams change season over season. Colorado as an example had a pretty significant change in that Paul Statsny moved out as the 2nd line C and Jarome Iginla came in on the wing. After all if Colorado does improve it's possession numbers next year what will the reason be?

The key factor for the Flames is that they will need to make an effort to improve the team in the offseason, and it's something I expect they will try. Sam Bennett should prove to be a useful addition to the lineup. Furthermore the Flames don't look to be losing any significant pieces from this years team while having the cap flexibility to seek out upgrades where they feel they need them. The Ducks from 10-11 to 11-12 where mostly unchanged and the same group of players like Perry and Getzlaf who had huge seasons struggled that season. The past two seasons they have changed things in the offseason and have received good production from their top players.

Ultimately though, I think a team like the Ducks lack some of those intangibles that separate winners and losers in the playoffs. Which is why they have lost to Detroit, Nashville, and Los Angeles the last three times they have been beaten out. I think talent wise Anaheim stacks up or beats those teams, but didn't have the same drive that those three teams did at the time.