Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
The Flames were middle of the pack in goals for on Jan 15th, with 129 goals in 45 games, 2.87 GPG. So for just over half the season, they were average offensively, despite the abysmal PP, stifling system, and ridiculous player utilization.
In the last 36 games, they are 31st overall with 80 goals for 2.22 GPG.
If it's all about a lack of talent, then the team had a huge drop-off in talent in the middle of January.
The turning point was, after a very successful eastern road swing, they came home and lost 2-1 to WPG, 2-1 to BUF, and 2-1 to LA. From that moment on, the team has been continually challenged with respect to being ready to play, and with respect to the way they play on home ice.
It might also be because the talent level of the team evaporated at that point, but I personally don't think so.
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Respectfully Enoch, this doesn’t explain away a talent deficit to me. At their best, Flames were middle of the pack. When they needed to be better, they were worse.
We have yet to see this team play at an elite level for any sustained period of time. No doubt coaching is a big factor but I am still of the view this team needs better players.