Quote:
Originally Posted by GullFoss
I think the following arguments still have validity:
1) GG's regulation record is not good
2) The power play is still terri-bad
3) The team seemingly chokes in meaningful games
That said, the past 15-20 games or so, there are some very clear encouraging signs:
1) 5-on-5 dominance
2) the emergence of Sam Bennett
3) Better use of personnel
4) Defence look engaged and activated to join the rush
5) Defensive zone play is much improved and aggressive. PK has improved markedly
6) Brodie and Hamonic pairing drastically improved
7) All the offensive units are now cycling the puck (vs just the second line at the beginning of the year)
Call me crazy, but in my view the current 7 game win streak is a lot more meaningful than the 10 game win streak last year. Its more convincing - the flames decent hockey on the 10 game win streak, backed up by hot goaltending. In this win streak, the flames have seemingly dominated 5-on-5 play though the line-up, with goaltending being solid rather than lights out.
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Good points and I think the bolded is why. The PP is not great, but at least they are threatening now with Gio on the first unit.
The D looks better and at the same time it seems that Smith isn't playing the puck as much. Perhaps that really was a problem?
Let's hope they continue to play this well. The division is still up for grabs.