Quote:
Originally Posted by icarus
I'm as excited as the next guy, but all this talk of winning the Cup is a bit much. Baby steps. We've got a great core in place now, but let's become a perennial playoff contender first otherwise we'll start to sound like Leaf fans.
|
Can't blame people for getting overly excited. I know I am and my expectations for next year is to be in a tough battle with Anaheim and LA for the 3 Pacific division spots. I think those 3 teams so far have distanced themselves from the rest of the pack.
Treliving did something that no one really thought. He added a 6'5 22 year old two way Dman who is already a 1-3 Dman on basically every team in the league and he did this without giving up a roster player.
The Flames also have Monahan who at 20 scored 31 goals and 62 points playing a smart two way game. He is a big body and will only get better.
Johnny proved to the world his skills will translate to the NHL and as he turns 22 going into next season expectations will be that he will also take a step forward. Johnny took big steps every year in college and he is only more comfortable with playing in the league
Bennett proved after being on the shelf for 6 months and only 15 junior games that he was ready to step into the lineup for a playoff team. He now gets a summer to train healthy and is poised to take a run at the Calder.
Brodie proved that at 24 he was a top 2 Dman in the league. He stepped up in the playoffs and either reunites with Gio on the top pair, Hamilton on a 1b type pair or Wideman on a legit number 2 pairing.
It is amazing how this core has come together 2 years into what was supposed to be a 4-5 year painful rebuild.
The Flames boast a top 3 D in the league (arguably the best) and have center depth that is the envy of several teams. If they get good goaltending I think they can improve on last year and secure home ice in round one and exceed 100pts next year with eyes on being one of the leagues most dominant all around teams in 2-3 years