Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
Why do you think they are able to score goals? They didn't last year. What has changed? Tough to score goals when you get hemmed in your own zone and have players (again, Hall and Eberle) with horrible defensive acumen AND effort to help support the (lower quality) defencemen.
The Oilers top 6 has (without question) some great skill, but they haven't exactly been coming through, have they? So no, it isn't a given that they will be able to score goals - they haven't been able to, and McDavid by himself isn't going to suddenly change them from one of the LOWEST SCORING TEAMS in the NHL into one of the highest scoring teams. The potential is there for them to be a high-scoring team, and you would anticipate that MacLellan is a better coach and will be able to provide them with a better system, but you too easily disregard the fact that they simply haven't done it yet, and don't seem to have the culture and the effort level to do what it takes to become that team.
Warts are sometimes things that you can't fix, and I think you are sugar-coating it. Their warts are just as relevant as their strengths. It could very well be that they will have to trade some of their 'high powered offence' for capable defencemen in order to actually build any semblance of a decent team.
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This is just it. I don't think the Oilers have got better. I think they're going to struggle as much as last year. But that's because of their lack of D and goaltending. Without solid puck moving D, the forwards don't score. Flames are deep in puck movers. So are the Hawks, Preds, Ducks, Kings... thats why they are winning.
But I'm not arguing that. I am saying to disregard the Oilers one strength, Forward Skill, is short sighted. Bring the Oilers top 6 over to the Flames and let Hartley kick their asses, and I think the Flames score even more goals.
Does that make us better, No.
Do the Flames win more games, No.
Does the sense of "Team" increase with those inbreeds on our team, No.
But I think the goal scoring could/would be greater.
I think the Flames team build is modeled after the Hawks, which is awesome. I think the Flames have the make up of a future power house. But if the Oilers had Hamilton and few better pieces on the back end. We would all be a little more afraid of their offensive weapons.