Quote:
Originally Posted by Hack&Lube
I'm basically going by what Sutter has said in many post games about how much the identity of the team has changed with these two and how the big defensemen were one of his priorities coming into the season. I think it is definitely part of his overall plan. He mentioned in a few press conferences how he saw the defensemen and Markstrom being bullied too often in our own zone last year and he had to fix that by getting some big bodies that could take and dish out the punishment.
Perhaps having these big guys playing those tougher minutes is what has contributed to fewer injuries on the team. Everybody is healthy, especially Tanev. Canucks fans always tried to justify losing him because he never played an 82 game season, he always had injury problems. Now I see it more like other teams had no choice but to throw him into those grinding defensive roles rather than strategic because they had no choice and it wore him down. With the size of Z+G (and Lucic, etc.) I think the team has been able to stay a lot healthier and successful overall.
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That's the key for a full 82 game season and especially true in the playoffs. Big teams are hard to play against. The physical side of this sport takes a huge toll on bodies, especially smaller people and guys with less weight. It's a huge bonus when big guys like Z and G can skate, have good shots on the point, and can make plays. Sure we've seen a few times when a smaller Flames team can take first overall in the Conference or 2nd overall in the NHL. However, by the end of the season, the top two lines are basically worn down with injuries and most of the d-core can't move big people in their own zone. This is a refreshing season where the Flames are actually pounding down other teams. Kinda reminds me of the Flames team back in '88-'89 season when their back ends are giant tower of strengths.
And for those who keep saying to replace one or both of those d-men with Mackey and/or with Valamaki - there's no way in anyone's right mind who would do that. Mackey is a big d-man but the size, physicality, and the experience of either Z and G will never be matched with what the Flames have from the farm in the next couple of years. Valamaki has been given ample opportunities and have not shown he's got what it takes right now. I can see Mackey getting called up if the Flames run is deep.
Flames also got lucky with Lucic as well not being picked up on the expansion draft and him picking up his game this season.
Size matters in the NHL unless all arenas are built to Olympic standards and the owners are willing to take some hit with removing seats to make room for the bigger ice surface.