Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
Need a couple games where they allow something in that 20-24 shots against range to bring down that average a bit closer to normal.
They actually did that quite a bit last year. The goalies were just leaky as all heck.
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Yeah but that takes time. They'll get there. They're trending in the right direction, that's what's important.
Good:
Mike Smith. I've been getting Dwayne Roloson vibes from this move all off season, and Smith is doing nothing to disprove that early on. He doesn't let in the leaky goals, he battles, he's kind of a head case, and he keeps them in games. He buys them time to get their act together. That's what I expect from a #1 goaltender. His puck handling has been as advertised. Those wondering if his miscues outweigh the benefits need only count all the successful zone exits that Smith creates vs the glaring errors that result in goals against.
TJ Brodie. After opening the year with a public torching at the skates of Connor McDavid (seriously, who names a kid Connor), Brodie responds with a 4-point game and has been absolutely dominant ever since. I haven't noticed Hamonic at all this year, and I notice Brodie seemingly every shift. The eye test is telling me that's a very good thing. When Brodie can skate 26 minutes a night, it allows Gulutzan to spy the Gio pairing against the other team's top lines almost minute for minute. Brodie playing at this level makes the Flames a very dangerous team.
Johnny Gaudreau. He's top 5 in league scoring. He's moving his feet. He's shooting more. I think he's still a little gun-shy about guys slashing him, but the more the refs call the game the way they have been, I think he'll really hit another level. People have said Gaudreau isn't an elite talent on this forum, but he's absolutely capable of winning an Art Ross trophy. He is one of the most talented offensive players in the game, and his game needs to reach a new level for the Flames to take the next step. He's off to a good start.
The Bad
Micheal Ferland. It's not your fault, Micheal. You're not a 1st line winger. You're the best of a series of unfortunate options. A top line RW remains the team's biggest need.
Sam Bennett. Not generating much. With Mark Jankowski ripening on the vine in Stockton, he has to know the time is now for him to produce as a centre. I'm fine with giving Bennett 20 games to find his way. If he doesn't produce, you have to put him on the top line as a winger and bring up Jankowski to play #3C. Jaromir Jagr is not the solution on the top line, and this is coming from someone who thinks he'll put up 40 points.
The only other truly concerning thing to me is our inability to contain Connor McDavid. I get that he's so fast he makes fast people look not fast. Mikael Backlund is on the roster - have him shadow McDavid. McDavid's anxieties should have to ask Backlund before they give Connor a nightmare.
This is a really good team. It's the strongest they've looked to start a season that I can recall. I think this is a team that can go on a run to the finals, but I don't like them against any of the powerhouses in the East. I could absolutely see the Flames losing to Tampa again. With that said, this team got pretty close to victory with oceans less talent than they have now.
Hockey's back. Go Flames.