Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
No, of course, I'm not trying to beat them up. It just looks like the Flames from last year still without the shot-blocking, which makes me sad. They need to work on it obviously, but hopefully they're ready for game 1.
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I know there is lots of optimism but I have a feeling this is going to be another long season.
Still lacking top end skill and depth in all positions but goaltending.
I hope they catch some lightning in a bottle but I think this is still another rebuild season and there will likely be considerable growing pains for some players if Gulutzan is really goign to transform the team to be a more solid 3 zone squad.
I actually am really enjoying the lack of shotblocking. Elliot and Johnson have looked good stopping pucks and I feel like the Flames have looked more organized in the defensive zone (major breakdowns notwithstanding) than they did when they were laying all over the ice last year.
I think a positive is that Hamilton looks really good so far. If he has a strong start along with the rest of the club they could ride that out to the playoffs. I think going forward Hamilton's offensive game will be a real catalyst for whether the organization has success or not.