Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
I still don't think the strength of schedule has much to do with how poorly they have played. Even last night they didn't look that great and benefitted from a team that played the night before with a slumping goaltender. I don't foresee an easier schedule making a big difference as long as they continue to play the type of hockey they have been playing. IMO it's more Flames issues than schedule or strength of opponents. Lots of players not playing to their previous levels from goaltending out.
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I agree that they haven't been playing very well, but i disagree with the bold.
They haven't played very well, the goaltending has been weak, their PP hasn't been great, and there have been a few game-impacting calls against them so far. And these things have all contributed to them losing games that they probably should have, or could have, won. But in every game, they have been playing good teams that are (usually) on a roll. Which has definitely contributed to the record. If their strength of schedule for the first 20 games wasn't so ridiculous, they probably would have had 2 or 3 more wins than they got, which would have made all the difference.
If they continue to play the same way over the next month, their record will likely be better anyway, simply because the teams they will be playing won't be as able to take advantage of those same mistakes. However, I think it's much more than that - confidence is a HUGE thing in hockey, and as they start playing easier opponents, the goals and the Ws will come (as we saw last night), and that will inspire confidence which will get them playing better.
I think we'll see more wins regardless, however, I also think we'll see improved play, as their confidence returns.