[djsFlames]

The fab 5 are a big reason for why the team should remain very competitive into the playoffs. When you pin your hopes on 1-2 stars to carry you ala Edmonton, you go or peter out as they do. But when you have a group of 5 of them playing at that level you're probably able to stay more consistently competitive from game to game.

There have been games where Johnny and Lindy alone have carried the mail, then other games where Johnny's been shutdown or held pointless but they're able to win cause Tkachuk or Gio came up big. Then there are games where every puck Monahan shoots goes in and it lends itself to another win.

Pick your combination and it can be enough to pull the boys through on more nights than not.

Having a group of 5 that on average will put up a point for you every night is a big part of why the Flames are scoring 3.5-4 per game, and it's a lot easier to win each night than when you're putting up 2.5 per game like a lot of middle of the road teams.

If Rittich is for real then they're moving in the direction of contenders.

One thing though is I would like to see them handle the Ducks. Since the 2-0 curse breaker, that team has still continued to find ways to take games from the Flames. Even very good teams can have that one team in their division that gives them fits (e.g. for the longest time the Pens for the Caps). Would like to see us overcome the "they have our number" issue.