Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
I think they have already addressed 2 things that you didn't mention, but that are important: coaching and identity. And as Calgary4Life said, I expect them to pay with more pace. Those things alone will probably get them in the playoffs in a really weak division.
With respect to the 10 items you listed, if 3-4 of them happen, they make the playoffs. If 5-6 of them happen, I think they are in the conversation for 2nd or 3rd. And if 7 or more of them happen, they will be in the chase to win the division.
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I understand the tougher to play against not being as soft and possibly having more compete, BUT pace?
Are the Flames going to be faster because Sutter told them to? I find it hard to believe that the individual Flames were not training hard enough in the past off seasons.
The additions of Coleman and Pitlick might be faster and able to play at a better pace, but it thought Ryan was in the league because of his skating and ability to play a fast game.
Zaradov and Gudbrandson are not going to increase the pace and likely are going to slow things down for the whole team when they are on the ice. Lewis and Richardson are likely pretty quick for players finishing out their careers.
Big physical teams are not usually associated with being up tempo. The smaller less physical teams try to force the tempo to expose the other tougher teams.
The Flames will not want to go up tempo and exchange scoring chances with the Oilers for example. Gaudreau and Tkachuk are not going to outscore McDavid and Draisatil very often if at all.
The Flames best chance for winning will be to have their players stay on the defense side of their checks. Less offense from both sides.