Flames certainly have found the right mix and the team looks very deep right now and all it took was a few tweaks and some players finding their form
Defense
The top pairing or Gio-Hamilton has been fantastic since they were paired together and is a legit top pairing.
Since acquiring Stone the second pairing has become stabilized and Brodie has really elevated his game. The Flames have a solid #2 in the 3 spot and a solid #5 in the 4 spot which balances out to a great pairing
Engellend has been a great bottom pairing guy all year but finally has a decent partner in Bartkowski.
Forwards
The top line (which hasn't been our top line all year) has a boost with Ferland. All of a sudden Ferly is sniping goals with an elite release and the Flames have found a player that works with Monahan and Gaudreau. Ferland really elevated his play in the postseason on 2015 hopefully he can do the same this year. Monahan will need to go ppg to get close to his averages over the past 2 years where Gaudreau is sure to finish below expectations. However both are playing better as of late
The real top line, the 3M line has been great wire to wire. This will be such a massive line in the playoffs taking all the hard matchups.
The third line of Bennett and the 2 veteran ex-Hawks is coming together at the right time. Bennett looks to be on the verge of breaking out which would give the team incredible depth
I am hopeful that sooner than later Lazar takes Chiasson's spot on the 4th line. Decent energy unit that could be a bit more physical. I miss Hathaway but with the Lazar acquisition I don't think he comes back this year unless we get injuries.
Goaltending
Elliott has finally become the guy we hoped for when we traded for him. Playing like a true number 1
Johnson is a great backup and has played well when called upon recently. This guy saves our season with a hot run in November
Coaching
I was a harsh critic of Gulutzan but after about 50 games he finally has the team playing the way he envisioned. They are now an entertaining team that scores, defends, and posses the puck. Definitely moving in the right direction.
I feel very confident for the playoffs and hoping it is a long run
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