I think the Flames beat Dallas with Markstrom in net. A few other points I would make about this roster:
1) Lindholm was completely flat on the top line. I know there were personal issues. But I think the fact that he was a primary PKer didn't help either. Having Nordstrom will relieve some of that responsibility from Lindholm, which hopefully helps him offensively.
2) I agree that Valimaki will help the D core. I also think Andersson and Hanifin, being a year older, will only be better. Tanev adds a pure defensive aspect that we should have, but didn't, get from Hamonic. All together, I believe the Flames D will be better than last year.
3) Then factor in better goaltending, and that will add confidence to the D as well.
4) I really like the addition of Nordstrom, a fast, gritty and experienced forward, to the 4th line - exactly what it needed. Having Nordstrom with Ryan together really solidifies that line. And I think a guy likes Phillips could be a great addition to it. They wouldn't be very big, but man, they would be hard working. (and you could rotate Robinson in when you need size).
Yes, the top line has not been addressed, but I think they had a bad year and will rebound somewhat.
But more directly to the points above, I think the Flames' goals against will be improved this year. They were tied for 15th last year, exactly middle of the pack. I expect they will move into the top 10 this year. And that alone is enough to ensure that they will be top 2 in the Pacific this year.
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