Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
The team is probably closer to half a goal per game off compared to last season. So in terms of raw numbers, that’s about about 20 goals.
In my opinion, the difference has been the powerplay and the top line. Last season, the Flames had a top 10 powerplay, scoring at a rate of 22.9%, this season we sit at 18.6%. The difference isn’t vast, but it does account for roughly 6 goals.
The biggest difference has been the top end scoring though. The Flames don’t have anyone even close to the approaching the 100+ point mark (on pace). Lindholm is the closest at roughly 73 points. So not having a 100+ point top line accounts for about 15-20 goals.
Now, this is a very simplistic way of looking at the math and it doesn’t account for defensive play and or all the nuances and etc. But for the sake of simplicity, it does explains the drop off in goals. Now for me, I don’t necessarily see things changing too much, I think the team will be involved in close games all season in which they’ll have to grind out wins.
But the one thing I do like compared to last year’s team is the additional scoring punch from the 3rd line. I thought last year’s 3rd line held the team back at times last season, but this season, there’s been a noticeable uptick in play from that line. Helps that we have a 3 headed monster in Lindholm, Kadri and Backlund up the middle.
Now if Treliving can acquire a big offensive threat that can glue the top 9 together, then I think this team can possibly make some noise in the playoffs. But until that happens, the team has to continue grinding out points any way they can.
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After 40 games last year the team had scored 128 goals
After 40 games this season the have scored 123 goals
After 40 games last season the team had given up 99 goals
This season after 40 games the team has given up 119 goals
This clubs flaws are not in the offensive zone nearly as much as they are in their own end.
With Markstrom back on track, a better team defense effort the last month or so, and new guys settling into their roles, it should start to translate into wins more than it has.
That doesnt mean they are a top 6 guy short of where it should be, because they are. Also you can never have enough scorers. But in a Sutter system, if you dont defend properly, it gets tough to win consistently.
I think all the signs are starting to point in the right direction of a decent run coming for the group.
Up to them at this point and as always a bit of luck in avoiding major injuries to key guys.