Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScorpion
Good post, but not sure about this bit.
What really is the do or die attribute for the Flames is the goaltending. We don't want to turn into the 2000s Flyers and their then-incorrigibly poor goaltending system. If Elliott and Johnson both repeat last years' performances, I think we're in.
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How much of an impact on team standing did Monahan have in his first season. McDavid even? Fairly little. If we're keeping the discussion within next season then neither Laine nor Tkachuk are going to push either team over the top. Few rookies in recent history are good enough that quickly to be able to have that kind of impact. Long term is another conversation. But yeah.
Goaltending was by far the most hindering issue on Calgary's end given that they were the 10th best offensive team last season. Which also flies in the face of Ressurection's statement that the Jets, who were 21st, are more skilled. If we're talking about skilled as being the ability to put up offense. You could say they have more 'skill' players and that'd probably be true. But I think that the Flames' top guys are bigger game breakers than the Jets' top guys. We definitely have more dead weight in our team depth, though. The Jets have some nice depth and prospects that can step in. Thank goodness some of those no good contracts will be coming off.
With the league's SV% leader last season between the pipes and Gaudreau and Monahan developing further, I just fail to see how Calgary isn't the most playoff ready in western Canada this season going in (who knows how injuries can play out though..).