[bax]

After last night’s game I felt like I needed to get my thoughts out on the team, the trade deadline, and just the general direction of the organization.

One word to summarize the season so far would be frustrating. It’s been frustrating because from what I have seen, this iteration of the Flames isn’t far off. I believe they lead the league in one goal losses. I haven’t checked, but I’m pretty sure we have more overtime losses than any other team.

This team is never out of a game. In fact, they generally out play the opposition on most nights. Last night was a great reminder that this team hasn’t given up and they haven’t tuned out the coach. They absolutely dominated the best team in the league.

It’s the rare mistake that always seems to come at the absolute worse time, it’s in the inability to find that one extra goal when they need it (and probably deserve it), and it’s the lack of just one extra save per game.

With how poorly the goalies on this team have played this season, it’s kind of remarkable they are even in the playoff hunt at all. They have collectively been one of the worst tandems in the NHL.

In my mind, Markstrom and Vladar are bound to bounce back at least somewhat next season. Dustin Wolf has proved all that he can in the AHL and is officially a stud prospect. He is ready to get some games.

How many times have they hit post this year? If the puck luck turned around a little bit and Markstrom has even half as good as he was last season this team is probably competing for a top 2 spot in the division.

I know lots are clamoring for them to sell pieces like Toffoli, Hanifin, Lindholm, Tanev, etc, but the way I see it that time has passed. This team is committed (at least in the short term) to Huberdeau, Kadri, and Weegar. They have to make moves to compete now.

I’m not suggesting that they spend draft picks to buy rentals. What I would like to see is some creativity. I realize you can’t have a season like this and change nothing.

Try to make a hockey trade, get somebody with term, sell off someone for picks, but then use those picks for a “now” player like Chychrun or somebody.

I know this season has been tough, but I would not be surprised to see this team compete for the division next season with some tweaks. I hope Treliving can find a way to get creative.

Edit: I forgot to mention Huberdeau. I think he is bound to get more comfortable. His offense will come eventually, he has basically reworked his entire game under Sutter. It took Gaudreau and Tkachuk some time too.