Quote:
Originally Posted by transplant99
So many still believe this teams woes are centered around offensive abilities.
Thats simply not the case.
Look at the Leafs and all their offensive "talent" as an example. The Flames have scored 5 fewer goals thus far.
Where the real difference is though? Cgy has given up 25 more.
Obviously goaltending had a lot to do with that earlier in the season, but its also a group of forwards and dmen still adjusting to a new system and more importantly, new roles on a team.
The "eye test" tells me they are really starting to get there however and last night was a pretty good indicator of just that. Shooting % will even out over time and with them figuring it out as collective in their own zone, the upside is there.
IMO this team is real close to breaking out and going on a run. Not sure they will be scoring 4 or 5 a night, but i see a lot of tight 1 goal games in their future. Which should come as no surprise on a Sutter led group.
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I feel the same way.
You can talk offense all you want, but the Flames' biggest problems this year have been defensive coverage and goaltending, IMO. And both have been much improved in the last 10 or 12 games.
They are still playing without much confidence, but it is coming. And when it domes, they will start winning a lot of hockey games.
This is a really strong team that just hasn't been able to put it all together yet.