As much as we can point to the refs, posts, bad luck, possession stats, or anything else, ELITE talent wins in this league
It was arguable if JG and MT were elite talent, but watching this team there is no player who would scare the opposition and have them game planning to stop them.
I just cant see any scenario where this team is a realistic threat? - (OK one scenario that Markstrum become prime Kipper)
This team could (should?) make the playoffs, but they are lacking elite talent to be dangerous. And that's effectively the Flames M.O. for the last 15 years
As much as the Cinderella run in 04 seemed impossible, they had the best goalie and arguably the best forward on that team. You can acquire/develop depth and character for a deep playoff run if you have the elite talent.
You can't be a serious threat with Coleman, Mangi, Backund and Lucic combining for 53 points and counting for 21 million on the cap half way through the season.
Expecting Kadri and Huberdeau to compete with the elite teams top players just isn't realistic. And we don't have a 30 minute a game top D anchoring the backend to fall back on
Really the only hope this team has is a goalie gets super hot and carries them. (ALA St.L and Binnington)
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