I was busy yesterday and didn't get to the post game reaction topic at all.
Was surprised this morning at how upset people are, to be honest. Good two way game where the Flames stayed on point and stuck with the game plan against a great opponent. That's a building block game in my mind, and not a baby with the bathwater game like some seem to be suggesting.
Thought Mangiapane added to the second line, and the third and fourth lines seem to be developing some jam (they're bottom sixers so I don't expect them to dominate against good teams).
The top line is struggling and Gaudreau in particular needs to chill out a bit, for sure.
But trade this guy, Brodie sucks, we have no centers, this season is doomed stuff just doesn't fit with how I see things.
The Flames have been off this year, but I'm good with that. I think the fix from last year's playoffs should take months, and I'm honestly glad they're sputtering a bit in October and November instead of off to a hot start that may push the playoff issues to the sidelines. Get it out and work on it for seven months.
The numbers suggest they are where they should be, there is nothing in their numbers that suggest they are fluking games, or getting bounces. They've had the 5th hardest schedule to start the season and have battled through discipline issues nightly.
I don't see this team as elite and a true cup contender, but when the dust settles they'll be in that next tier and starting the playoffs seeing what happens.
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