Quote:
Originally Posted by The Fonz
People need to stop saying that this roster is overrated, or lacks the depth to contend. Have a look at the top 5 teams in the league right now:
TB
LV
LA
STL
NJ
4 of those 5 teams have slightly above average (STL) to downright ugly rosters (LV), with the exception obviously being TB, who is stacked.
Comb over the rosters of LA, LV, and NJ, and it's pretty clear how important coaching is in this league, cause they sure as hell aren't at the top by way of All-Star talent/depth on their rosters.
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The thing is that these rosters all have big strong aggressive players who can skate and play fast.
The Kings with their inferior roster are scrapping their way to a home playoff series.
Some people have posted that the soft play of the Flames is system based... yet last year, Bouma, Engelland and Chaission along with Brouwer, Bennett and Ferland and Hathaway were able to play big.
Somehow the Flames have put together an organization of players that prefer not to play a physical game.
Why is Hathaway a breath of fresh air? He is playing big within GG's system.
Even for hanging around for a wildcard spot the Flames will not be prepared to succeed in the playoffs. They were a much tougher team 3 years ago when Gaudreau had to be benched for his own protection.
Last year the Flames hit 2-3 times more in the playoffs than the regular season (standing up to the bully). That will be the game that almost all playoff teams will try to force on the Flames in a playoff series.
Big talented good skating aggressive players are hard to come by. The Flames are working with Ferland and Bennett looks like he fits the bill. Tkachuk would be a monster on a tougher roster.