This is a good post, but a couple of things:
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Originally Posted by GullFoss
I think the following arguments still have validity:
1) GG's regulation record is not good
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There is still room to improve. No question.
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2) The power play is still terri-bad
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17.1% since 15 December, and 22.2% since 31 December. It is no longer "terribad," and while it is not great, I would say that it is approaching better-than-average as of late.
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3) The team seemingly chokes in meaningful games.
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In the past several weeks the Flames have played six games against teams that are currently bunched up with them in the standings. In those games they have a 4-1-1 record, with one of those wins in OT. In addition, they just walked into Tampa Bay and beat the best team in the NHL. I don't think it is remotely accurate to say that the Flames have a tendency to "choke" in meaningful games. There have been a couple disappointing losses at important times to the wrong teams (losses to Vancouver on 7 November and to SJ on 15 December come to mind), but it seems to me overall that they have been much better in these pressure situations than not.