Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post

Brad Marsh · 10-21-2018, 03:27 PM

This argument about "must win" vs "not must win" is one of the silliest going right now on CP. Surely the use of "must win" has to apply to more than only in games where the team can be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, yet there are some here who insist that such a use is the only correct one. For example, if the Flames want two points today, then it is a must-win game. There is no other possible way for them to get two points other than to win. If that's the context, then it's a must win game. Similarly, the Oilers lost last night, and the Flames have a chance to put some distance between them and their provincial rivals. If they lose, the gap stays the same. If that's the context for a fan, then today is a must win game.

To those who hold firm to the notion that only playoff elimination games are "must win", please bear in mind that the Flames lost that game last season, and yet the team is still here, and they are in fact even still playing. In that context, not even that game was a must win game.

I say let fans define the importance of the game in whatever fashion they choose.

For me, the two points that are on the line tonight are just as important to the teams' playoff aspirations as are the two points available in a playoff elimination game. I also happen to think that playoff chances increase when a team can consistently beat opponents below them in that standings. I think this is a big game.

The big story line for me tonight is Rittich. Smith has been below average so far this season, and I don't think will be the answer in goal this year. I also don't think a signing or trade are likely to address the issue. We may as well see how Rittich can do. He actually played 56 mins of very good hockey in his only start this year. It would be great for the team if he got on a roll.

Go Flames!

10-21-2018, 03:27 PM	#68
Brad Marsh Scoring Winger Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dar es Salaam Exp:	This argument about "must win" vs "not must win" is one of the silliest going right now on CP. Surely the use of "must win" has to apply to more than only in games where the team can be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, yet there are some here who insist that such a use is the only correct one. For example, if the Flames want two points today, then it is a must-win game. There is no other possible way for them to get two points other than to win. If that's the context, then it's a must win game. Similarly, the Oilers lost last night, and the Flames have a chance to put some distance between them and their provincial rivals. If they lose, the gap stays the same. If that's the context for a fan, then today is a must win game. To those who hold firm to the notion that only playoff elimination games are "must win", please bear in mind that the Flames lost that game last season, and yet the team is still here, and they are in fact even still playing. In that context, not even that game was a must win game. I say let fans define the importance of the game in whatever fashion they choose. For me, the two points that are on the line tonight are just as important to the teams' playoff aspirations as are the two points available in a playoff elimination game. I also happen to think that playoff chances increase when a team can consistently beat opponents below them in that standings. I think this is a big game. The big story line for me tonight is Rittich. Smith has been below average so far this season, and I don't think will be the answer in goal this year. I also don't think a signing or trade are likely to address the issue. We may as well see how Rittich can do. He actually played 56 mins of very good hockey in his only start this year. It would be great for the team if he got on a roll. Go Flames! Last edited by Brad Marsh; 10-21-2018 at 03:30 PM.