If Treliving goes through this off-season without making a significant change to the core, then he is a brave man indeed. If he does so, I will admire the fact that he is standing by his work. If it doesn't work out, it will cost him his job.
My thoughts on the core: I disagree with the assertion that it is not good enough to win. I just that, for the most part, they need to play a different style of game. They absolutely need to play a faster transition, and they need to be more aggressive on D. The skill on D is there. That's the changes that I would like to see.
I can live with this team coming back if they change coaching. I don't see the 'they don't care enough' or 'aren't willing to play hard enough' or 'aren't committed' angle that is becoming so popular. I see Johnny still getting too frustrated at times, and I see a rattled team overall that stops being able to make crisp passes and take a second or two longer to make a decision out there.
What I also think is that the Flames need help scoring - at least with this system. I do think a faster transition will create more goals for this group. If they want to play this way, then then can't rely on one scoring line - they will need 3 if not 4. Hall signing here will make it much more difficult to defend against. Does the other team put out their best checkers and defencemen against the Gaudreau line, or the Hall line? Don't forget the Tkachuk line, which is usually the checking line! Make sense?
As another poster stated, I don't know how you go about doing that and still filling in defence. However, here is where I think a better coach comes in as well - I seem to remember the '04 Flames not having really good and experienced defencemen outside of a couple. Everyone stepped up. There are teams in the playoffs today who don't have an expensive D-corps but are still playing hockey. Plus, the goalies will look like all-stars.
The reason everyone is pissed-off with this group is because it has failed to meet expectations (and in embarrassing fashion), but the expectations are there for a reason - this is a good, but under-performing group. I don't want to lay it all on Ward's feet, especially since he had to take over from Peters, but dammit if this team has some sort of fear of hiring competent coaching.
If they can bring an experienced and proven coach in, bring in Hall, and somehow balance this roster, I will be all in. Hopefully that includes Brodie in a way - I think he is the best transition defencemen on the team with his passing/ability to skate with the puck. That's a big ask, however, to include him and Hall.
Don't trust me, however. I am ok with a rebuild too.
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