Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [News] Lambert: Why Calgary Flames window could slam shut

Cleveland Steam Whistle · 08-11-2017, 04:31 PM

The biggest flaw in that article is the identification of the window. And to be fair, it's not just Lambert that has falsely identified the win now window as starting now and ending in 3 years, there are lots of fans on here who seem to have that same sense of urgency. Far too much perception around here that that the core has to be in their early 20's to succeed (i.e. younger than 25) and after that there's a decline. No evidence to suggest that elite NHL players (which our core will have to be if we are going to succeed anyway) aren't still in their prime in the back half of their 20's as well.

Other than Gio, who I agree will at best give us 3 more years, there is no reason to believe that we can't continue our window, and IMO potentially have an even stronger team 3 years after that. While as someone pointed out, there is no guarantee that one of our younger Dmen will step up to replace Gio, I'd say there are very few teams with as good a chance of absorbing his decline as ours with any one of Hamilton, Brodie or Hamonic taking that step. We also have no reason to believe that Gaudreau, Monahan, Tkachuk, Ferland, Bennett etc.. will be on the decline 3 years out.

What the Flames have on their hands right now is a chance for the window to legitimately start early, and I agree with the Lambert that goaltending is the biggest question mark on whether we can take advantage of that opportunity.

And LOL to the development comment. Hate it when comments like that are made without context. The Flames are in this position because their prospects have moved along so quickly in recent years (whether luck, development or good drafting)and the home grown talent has become the core he's writing about. When you are literally starting from scratch about 3 years ago, pretty tough to bring through the supporting cast when all of your top prospects are actually turning into the core (which is what you want).

You can't successfully fast track a rebuild in about 3 years the way the Flames have and not have some holes still left to fill, especially with only 1 top 5 pick. Much better than having to take 10 years, and a multitude of 1st overalls, lucking out on a generational talent with those picks and still not having any less holes to speak of.

08-11-2017, 04:31 PM	#91
Cleveland Steam Whistle Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2011 Exp:	The biggest flaw in that article is the identification of the window. And to be fair, it's not just Lambert that has falsely identified the win now window as starting now and ending in 3 years, there are lots of fans on here who seem to have that same sense of urgency. Far too much perception around here that that the core has to be in their early 20's to succeed (i.e. younger than 25) and after that there's a decline. No evidence to suggest that elite NHL players (which our core will have to be if we are going to succeed anyway) aren't still in their prime in the back half of their 20's as well. Other than Gio, who I agree will at best give us 3 more years, there is no reason to believe that we can't continue our window, and IMO potentially have an even stronger team 3 years after that. While as someone pointed out, there is no guarantee that one of our younger Dmen will step up to replace Gio, I'd say there are very few teams with as good a chance of absorbing his decline as ours with any one of Hamilton, Brodie or Hamonic taking that step. We also have no reason to believe that Gaudreau, Monahan, Tkachuk, Ferland, Bennett etc.. will be on the decline 3 years out. What the Flames have on their hands right now is a chance for the window to legitimately start early, and I agree with the Lambert that goaltending is the biggest question mark on whether we can take advantage of that opportunity. And LOL to the development comment. Hate it when comments like that are made without context. The Flames are in this position because their prospects have moved along so quickly in recent years (whether luck, development or good drafting)and the home grown talent has become the core he's writing about. When you are literally starting from scratch about 3 years ago, pretty tough to bring through the supporting cast when all of your top prospects are actually turning into the core (which is what you want). You can't successfully fast track a rebuild in about 3 years the way the Flames have and not have some holes still left to fill, especially with only 1 top 5 pick. Much better than having to take 10 years, and a multitude of 1st overalls, lucking out on a generational talent with those picks and still not having any less holes to speak of. Last edited by Cleveland Steam Whistle; 08-11-2017 at 04:35 PM.