Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenLantern
I think the Flames will regress slightly in their 3rd period come backs, that doesn't seem realistic to repeat. As far as overall performance though I think they will actually take a step forward which should help make up at least a portion of the difference.
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They won't need to, because they will be in the driver seat more often this year. They wont have 10+ 3rd period comebacks because there will be less opportunities to do that, as we will be leading going into the third far more often next year IMO. The Hamilton trade was so huge, it can't be understated, it completely changed the depth and complexion of the team. Russell or Wideman will be our 5th defenseman while the other gets to play with Gio, Brodie or Hamilton. For a team that engages with it D and drives it's offense through the back end, this is huge. Hartley is not going to have to worry about match ups nearly as much because the top 4 is so ironclad.
This is a 95-105 point team for the next few years, the rest of the league is just going to have to deal with that. The only question is when we take the next step to cup contender status. With how fast BT expedited phase one of the rebuild, I am confident we will take that next step sooner rather than later.