Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
Are you saying that the Flames are not deep? They scored 289 goals with 7 from Neal.
Lindholm turned into one of the top RW in the league. Frolik fit well with Backlund and even though seemed done 2 years ago was great when put back on the 2nd line.
Ryan was brought in as a 3rd line C. Bennett never got even a month run in the top 6 after.
Jankowski seemed poised to replace Backlund as #2C.
Can't be sarcastic about the depth of the Flames.
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Just imagine the sales pitch that the Flames gave to Neal to get him to sign as a UFA.
Pretty sure it included that he was what the Flames top-6 was missing and he would be on the 1st PP unit.
He gets off to a poor start and he is playing 10-12 minutes a game with depth players that would only get top-6 minutes with 2 injuries to the regular top-6.
Yep Neal was awful, but his treatment here was way below his expectations.
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I don't think the Flames are deep on RW, and the fact that Neal was unable to cement a top 6 role is more because of his poor play, not lack of opportunity.