Meh—both opinions seem pretty reasonable overall. Flames should be better than last year, but will still be in tough to make playoffs.
Ultimately, I think Vinny’s take about the overall makeup of the team is correct. Treliving did a great job of improving both the “guts” of the lineup (like, 3rd/4th lines) and also added some skill. The potential there is very exciting, especially because I think the youth-infusion and competition for spots on those bottom two lines will drive the team, something that was definitely missing last year.
Still, the Flames will have to show that they don’t have to rely so much on Smith (and/or Rittich), will have to improve the PP and definitely will have to improve that home record. I’m way more optimistic going into this season with this roster than last year’s, but suggesting the Flames could miss playoffs by a hair is not unreasonable.
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