This game is just further evidence that a rebuild needs to happen.
Calgary basically needs to out-work every team they play to get a W, with few exceptions in recent memory (Arizona being one of them). A bad bounce here or there that costs a goal is almost as good as a nail in the coffin, and that's what happened tonight. Calgary let their foot off of the gas, and Columbus just took advantage of it.
One more 'easy' game before the all-star break, but to a team that has some kind of a win streak going against Calgary for some reason.
Calgary just doesn't have enough top-end players. They need to play pedal to the metal at all times against most teams. Great teams have franchise-type players that can quickly turn a game, which is why they are called game-breakers. I love Coleman, and Sharangovich has been fantastic after his slow start, but these guys should be headlining the depth, rather than being the goal scoring leaders of the team.
Good amount of youth pushing up. Scouting and development is top-notch. I am not worried about this franchise being able to turn it around, but I do believe that "Will the Flames rebuild" is turning into "when the Flames rebuild".
Listening to Barn Burner earlier in the day, Boomer, Pinder and Warrener were all in agreement that if the Flames still believe in themselves, that they would play hard this game and get a W. Didn't happen, and we all saw them lift their foot off the gas for a while. I am not sure that proves that they don't believe any longer. Maybe this team simply believes it should come easier.
Maybe they are right. It should come easier. You shouldn't have to out-work every single team in order to get a win. It is downright impossible anyways. Lots of teams with top-end players also play hard all game - what happens then? You want top-end players to take a game over in a shift or two, and snatch that win. Flames just don't have those difference makers when the team is a bit flat.
Anyway, certainly lots of positives to take away from this game. Klapka shows patience with the puck and enters the zone 1 on 3, and ends up creating a chance for Mangiapane out of nothing. Zary and Coronato had great games. Kylington looked better and less rusty than I expected him to be - defended well for the most part, transitioned well, and skated well - what a good building block of a game for him.
One more game until the all-star break. I anticipate moves soon, and this team just told Conroy for 4 games in a row now that moves are required.
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