One of the keys, in order for them to take the next step to contender, was to have a couple of the young guys take the next step in order to round out the offensive attack.
So far, there has been no progression from any of them. That includes Bennett, Ferland, Lazar, Jankowski, Poirier, Shinkaruk or anyone else you want to add to the list.
But there is still lots of time for that to happen. On top of that, Jagr was brought in to boost the offense as well, and it's simply too early to see any results from that. But again, there are still 74 games left int the season.
As for the D, I think there are two things at play here. When people talk about great defensive players, I think we definitely have that. But you also need to play good team defense. And I don't think the Flames are there yet. But I think they'll get there.
Also, Hamilton has started slowly, and Brodie has been inconsistent. But I am not worried about either.
Of all the things that needed to take place in order for the Flames to graduate into contender status, the only one that has actually transpired yet is the goaltending. But it's early - no reason to think the other things can't get going as well.
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