Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
After 62 games:
17/18 Flames: 31-22-9 71 points
16/17 Predators: 31-22-9 71 points
13/14 Kings: 34-22-6 74 points (6 SO wins vs 2 for this team)
11/12 Kings: 28-22-12 68 points
It's not as far apart as you think.
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I don't disagree that if a good team rolls into the playoffs, seeding does not matter. However
1) Gulutzan was among the worst Flames in last year's playoffs with absolutely crippling decision making in four consecutive games. Sutter and Laviolette are probably two of the best coaches to ever do it, ever. Gulutzan has yet to show he can match wits with Randy Carlyle.
2) The 2014-15 and 2016-17 Kings did not make the playoffs. Unfortunately being a team made for the dance means nothing if you're not in the dance and right now this team looks like they will be on the outside looking in barring ANOTHER improbable win streak.
3) If they do go on such a win streak, there will be an inevitable "down" period that will line up with the playoffs.
Overall, I don't think we should be sellers because we have nothing left to sell besides Matt Stajan. I don't think we should be buyers because we have no assets to buy with and no assurance they will be put to any good use. People talking about selling cost controlled assets like Bennett, Ferland, or Brodie are not rational. Two would be gross sell-lows and the other would be at best a lateral trade given some of the returns bandied about.
At the moment sucking it up and playing out the string seems like the only realistic play as far as the deadline goes.