Quote:
Originally Posted by Aarongavey
Even when those lines were ‘going good’ (the first 12 games before the Vancouver 4 game series) in those first 12 “good” games they were on pace for 20 fewer even stength goals over an 82 game season than the pace they had over 70 games last year. It was a baffling experiment as it was obviously less productive, they had one game against Edmonton where they scored 5 even strength goals. Outside of the Edmonton game those lines had one game where they scored more than 2 even strength goals in a game (the 4-3 SO victory where Tanev’s rocket from center ice helped the Flames to 3 even strength goals in that game). 19 out of 21 games with those lines the Flames had 2 goals or less at even strength with a goalie in the net. Numbers like that mean your goalie or your power play have to steal every game if you want to have a chance to win.
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It’s not a “baffling experiment” because there was a good reason for doing it. The Flames are very easy to defend when they have only one scoring line. Arguably they stuck with it too long. I think the concept is sound, but the personnel is wrong - they need someone at least adequate on the Monahan RW and Lindholm and Tkachuk just don’t seem to gel that well.
If they go with the liens from last night into the stretch and the POs, IMO they will get beaten pretty easily.