As for the question of the Flames being better this year, I'm pretty undecided.
Flames seemed like a slam dunk for regression based on on-ice shooting percentages of their first line. Couldn't see them going +60 on the year two seasons in a row.
Now the first line has lost some pop, but they have added depth to the second line and defence. The third line might be the biggest improvement. It bled last season, and with Backlund there, it won't happen this year.
The Flames lost two top forwards who had career seasons and gained two top forwards who had career seasons. I think Huberdeau is the most likely out of all four to come close to replicating his last season. Kadri seems most likely to have the biggest drop off.
Last year the Flames were buoyed by lack of injury, and career years all over the roster. Can the improved depth counterattack the regression?
If I had to bet, I guess I'd go with the under on the regular season. Flames will be good, but I don't think it was a +85 Goal Differential roster last season. Even with on paper improvement I could see the team losing 20 GD just due to not having the same kind of good breaks go their way.
Playoffs are always something of a crap shoot so the Flames could easily have better results in the second season.
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