Backlund had a great game, like, the kind of game where you say "Wow, that guy really showed up." And basically no other Flame did. Total pass for Tanev who is clearly duct-taped together.
So I mean, if that's the "next level" for this team, which is to say, basically there isn't one... and another way to say this is Sutter got maximum out of the team all season and there isn't another gear... the team isn't good enough.
Now, maybe a bunch of guys are hurt, gutting out something awful. I don't feel, for example, like Gudbranson is at 100%. He hasn't creamed anyone like he did all season.
But mostly, what I see, is guys like Tkachuk learning that being angry isn't the same as being a leader. And that's cool for the young guys. Hanifin, Kylington, Mangiapane, Dube.. these guys gotta learn about being in the playoffs. But the older core of the team... I'm not impressed with the effort, the decision making, the determination, or the finish.
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