I just ventured over to HF to see some "Flames fan" try and spew that we need a complete top down rebuild and only Tkachuk is safe. The over reaction is insane.
The Flames are struggling for a couple of reasons but the biggest reason is the star players sucking. Monahan's hot streak has him on track for 50pts but that is down from his past 2 seasons. Gaudreau looks very average out there. The sneaky passes he used to make getnpicked off, the hits he used to dodge are connecting, and he looks frustrated. Bennett has taken a step back and having a sophomore slump. Gio and Brodie are both struggling and will not come close to the stats (scoresheet or advanced) that they are used to.
The new free agent acquisitions have also failed to make a difference. Brouwer sucks most of the time and doesn't appear to be a good leader or play a heavy game. Elliott has been a distfrom day 1 and has not solved the goaltending problem. Chaisson for some reason is being shoved down our throats as a top 6 when he is a 4th liner. Johnson who is a reason we are in the race has been a great signing at the dollars but is cooling off. Still a great backup 1B however.
The reason this team is still in a playoff spot/in the mix is due to the 3M line being consistent throughout the year. These 3 have been simply fantastic and if we received the expected level of play from the rest of the forwards perhaps the Flames are comfortable in a division spot? Dougie Hamilton has also been very solid at both ends of the ice since
His slow start. He generates chances and makes some sound defensive plays. Role players like Stajan, and Engellend have provided good value in their roles albeit overpaid.
A very hot run by Johnson, coupled with league best special teams put the Flames in a spot to compete. The underlying issues with the team have not subsided. The star players have not been up to standard or consistent, the goaltending is inconsistent, and the coach/captain does not have this team ready to play.
They have a few options
1- Feaster style aka minimal deadline moves and hope they can go on a big streak to get in (Flames 11-12 seasons)
2- Sell their UFAs at the deadline for picks (Wideman, Engellend, Versteeg, Chaisson)
3- slight roster tinkering (make a move for a 4/5 D, add an inexpensive scoring forward)
4- make a blockbuster trade involving picks, prospects, core players
5- buy rentals at the deadline and hope it pushes them over the top (highly unlikely and very dumb)
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