Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
The risk aversion of the fanbase mirrors the risk aversion in the previous decade of management. Signing aging vet goalies like Hiller, Elliott, Smith, Markstrom, has produced absolutely zilch while other teams have consistently made deep runs with guys like Binnington, Hill, Murray coming in out of nowhere, typically having played AHL games the exact same year they won a cup. Hell, the only time Kipper made the second round, he started that year as an AHLer.
There's no real rhyme or reason to goalie success. Guys having Vezina type years can flop hard in the playoffs (just look at Markstrom in 2022 vs Edmonton) and guys who lost their starter position due to weak play can suddenly catch fire in the playoffs (eg Holtby in 2018 or MAF in 2017).
Even on an in-season basis, look up North. Stuart Skinner started the season as the worst goalie in the NHL, and since that rocky start has gone 20-5.
Build a strong group of skaters, starting with the center position, and then take a damn chance on some goalies in their 20s and just see how it shakes out. Don't let some predetermined role of "designated veteran starter" dictate the position
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The reality is the Flames need to get better as a team. We don't have too many options and the timing is probably best. Conroy showing that he's serious about the retool and if for any reason wolf doesn't play as well as expected Conway will deal with it,, but at that point we should have a much better team. We are bringing in good players who played in the NHL, and should be able to get some good draft picks. Got to give Conway some credit looks like he's executing an actual plan.