Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
The team only really started playing awful when the 2nd pairing was moved. Pretty tough to adjust to that mid-season. I think they’ll sign a decent #4-5 d-man in UFA, and that will stabilize the position. The team will also have camp to get its pairings integrated.
And as you point out, Markstrom was worse post-deadline than Wolf. So while it’s unlikely the Flames will get top-5 goaltending next season, it will likely be better than the goaltending they got after the deadline.
Still too much quality in this roster to be a true bottom-feeder. Just look at the lineups the Blackhawks, Sharks, and Ducks iced this season. No way the Flames will be that bad.
So my guess is not a playoff team, but not bottom-six either. Probably finish in the 7th-12th from bottom range.
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And why do you think Chicago, Anahiem wont add FA's and be able to both outbid the Flames and have a more desireable location? (SJ I think is a long way off)
I actually fail to see how this team isnt bottom 5 next year. Almost all the other bottom 8 teams and younger, improving and in a better cap situation. Why would they not improve faster then the Flames?