My two cents (CDN):
The defence has not been up to par compared with last year, especially Gio and Russell, since Wideman's defensive game was never his strong point and I actually think he's been about the same in that regard this year - it's his offense that's fallen a bit.
But the big problem is the goaltending. As many have said, every goalie lets in a softie once in a while, from Roy and Hasek to Kipper to Price. But it's been happening every game. And when this happens, the Flames fall behind, have to take more offensive chances, the D press forward, and there are more chances coming back as a result.
Lots of goals have come from the high slot. That's a result of a missed play on D many times, but its also a shot most goalies block. Hiller was no joy when he was in net, but perhaps his blocking style is better suited to make that play.
The fact the Flames have actually been in many games until the third supports this view.
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