My biggest concern with the Flames coming into the year was the defence. I didn't like the make up of the top six but the progression of Kylington has resolved that issue. By "resolved", I mean that we appear to have a legitimate top six properly slotted. They are not going to be the most flashy defence group but they can do the job required.
The next concern is where the goals were going to come from. Sutter said that he thought last year's team needed a half-goal more in offence and a half-goal less in defence. I had no reason to disagree. I think like many we under appreciated the impact of Sutter's concerns about pace of play and conditioning of the players as an impact on both the defensive game and the offensive game. If conditioning was so poor, then I understand why he did not have as much of an impact last year. Hard to fix conditioning mid-season. The ability to turn pucks over with the pace of play led to both of Mangiapane's goals last night. Not sure we get those goals last year.
It is fair to assume that some players will cool off, but some players have yet to register a goal or are behind their typical pace. I am hoping that the team continues to grow in their pace and their details as the season goes along. I recall that the two seasons Sutter coached in 2004 and 2006 the team really did not have long bad stretches. I will be watching to see if that is the case this year.
I came into the season really hoping Sutter would have an impact and he's more than delivered.
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