Quote:
Originally Posted by Caged Great 
If the Flames had a goalie putting up a .918 sv%, they would have surrendered 45 fewer goals (not counting the 4-5 fewer empty netters because of the fewer losses)
|
I looked at league average for save % and it's .915 with a GAA of 2.70. Expecting more than that is maybe foolhardy and with our gambling defence maybe a more realistic goal would be say .912%. Going with the league average that would give us 38 fewer goals against. We'd still have a positive difference of +5 which would put us in the fight for the playoffs.
As for our defence, I don't think a lot of changes are needed. Jokipakka and Nakladal look fine as part of our bottom three with their solid play while giving us an increase in size. Engelland is looking good playing with Giordano as well despite the hate around here for him. It's hard to imagine a 34 year old improving his game but I think he has. Wideman could still be an okay alternative as well if he can accept a lesser role. Don't forget Wotherspoon either, I think he looks ready.