Quote:
Originally Posted by BCF
I agree except Kane and Toews had 2 years experience behind them and a way deeper team behind them. The flames do not in anyway have any solid veterans behind them. Stajan is finally getting to the playoffs. But the flames definitely have nothing to lose... Except they are the clear favorited in this series  |
Monahan had played as many seasons as Toews and Kane in 09 and in his sophomore year had similar stats as Kane. Johnny is a rookie but he is 21 and had 3 solid years of development in the NCAA. Last year he also competed in the World Championships. He has always stepped up in big games and tournaments.
Hudler, Wideman, Engellend are solid vets. The forward group is made up of mostly young guys under 30 and that benefits Calgary.
I agree the Hawks were a deeper team but also will argue that Flames and Canucks teams that lost to them were better than today's Canucks team.
Calgary is getting a lot of love from the media right now. I think the main reason for this is the Canucks are the definition of a vanilla team (or "meh"). They have some old veterans who could not get it done 4 years ago when they were younger and in their prime. The Flames have been discounted all year and through all the adversity of being labeled a bottom feeder, to losing their captain, they persevered. Most media call it a pick-em series but lean toward Calgary because they are young, exciting, and they claim they are done betting against them.