I agree with the comment about quality debate. Nice to see that at least.
I think that the axe has to fall on the coaching staff. Coaching hasn't been the sole issue, but the old adage that you can fire the coach but you can't fire the team applies here.
The NHL is a result-driven league and GG hasn't gotten them. I think the most damning indictment of the current coaching staff is that I doubt any other staff would net worse results. It is certainly hard to imagine.
The bottom half of the roster is not good enough, but luckily that is the easiest part of a roster to fix. The core is very good and on very good contracts. I think the prudent move would be to augment the core with a better system, suited to strengths and tweak the bottom six.
Obviously easier said than done, but should be achievable.
That being said, some points to consider:
Are the Flames the Jets? Are they ready to break out next year with minor tweaks and another year of growth, staying the course? It is tempting to believe, but I'm not convinced. The Jets are deeper than the Flames, and have more pure talent (Calgary losing their 1st this year is really going to sting). Prudence and patience should be kept in mind, but changes are needed.
Is the season actually over? Don't get me wrong, it feels over and there is nothing to take away from the last stretch of games that suggests any different, but with 16 games to play there is part of me not wanting to give up. I assume that the team is of the same mindset. They are a young team and having the right attitude is critical. Now is no time to fold. Make the playoffs has to be the message.
I doubt we see massive upheaval and wholesale change that some are calling for. The Flames are not a bad team by any measure. They are in the mushy middle and need to be better, but I don't support the argument that there is something major rotting them out from the inside.
Just my .02
|