I Believe - 2013

[Travis Munroe]

With all the talk about "blow the team up" "dump 80% of our roster" "we rode iggy and kipp way to long" etc I wanted to give a place for those that still believe to discuss the team.
I cant be the only one who still believes in this season. Baertschi and Backlund can make instant improvements to our team. In previous years I would be skeptical but Hartleys style plays towards these players.
Mcdonald looked good and even if Kipp is out for a while I believe he can do a good enough job to get us back in the win column.
Hartley has been the best thing to happen to this team in a long time.
Iginla Cammy and Tangs can only get better, mix that with the rebirth of Stajan, Bou and Stemp + the skill of Hudler, Wideman and youth of Horak, Sven, Mikael....we have potential.
I cant think of any team that faced the set backs the flames did to start the season. Cammy, Sven, Mikael, Kipper all injured, 2 games we clearly should have won but ran into a goalie who plays there best game all year and 1 where our goaltending was non existent (the other we managed to win).

As I look at the standings right now we have 1/2 games on our side compared to most of the top 8 teams. With a win in back to back games there will be a cluster of teams in and around the 7th-12th place teams. That puts us right back into the mix. The season is roughly 25% over.....lots of time.

Please keep this thread to positive discussion for those who want a break from all of the negativity in the F.O.I. section lately.

[BEANZ]

Good idea for a thread, I could use a break from the gloomy discussions.

One thing of note, the season is alot closer to 1/3 complete than 1/4.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

I'm with you Travis, still lots of time.

I'm blaming a lot of the early results on the extended lockout, this team with THIS new coach, needed a lot of time to 'De-Brent' itself.

They haven't been lucky yet (see Chicago game) and Leland was a trainwreck. A bit worried about Iggy and his 4 goal pace...

[Jackpot_Smooth]

I am really liking how much more the defense has been getting more involved offensively even though it may have resulted in more goals against. The offensive style Hartley preaches is much more fun to watch when the team can actually execute.

[COGENT]

The optimism is refreshing, thanks for the thread

I'm having a tough time this season but I'm not all doom and gloom... it is just hockey.

[Redrum]

Originally Posted by Jackpot_Smooth

I am really liking how much more the defense has been getting more involved offensively even though it may have resulted in more goals against. The offensive style Hartley preaches is much more fun to watch when the team can actually execute.

Okay, I don't get the point of posting a half empty glass of water though.

[J epworth]

It's been a tough week to be optimistic about this team, it's easy to forget that we were looking better in so many aspects of the game just a little more than a week ago. Hopefully this slide is just temporary and once we get Kiprusoff and Backlund back we get on a nice long run.

[dammage79]

I like the optimism, because mine is admitedly faultering right now. But yes, when they attack as a unit it is awesome to watch. I like having Wideman and Hudler and to a lesser extent Cervenka, their skills are very nice to see on this team.

Adding to that, Backlund and Brodies surgance has also been a very pleasant surprise, now if sven can get back it would be even better.

[Gary83]

Originally Posted by Redrum

Okay, I don't get the point of posting a half empty glass of water though.

That glass is definitely half full, my friend.

[Phanuthier]

Just to clarify, is this a believe in playoffs, believe in winning a cup, or anything that is remotely positive?

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by BEANZ

Good idea for a thread, I could use a break from the gloomy discussions.

One thing of note, the season is alot closer to 1/3 complete than 1/4.

Gotta second (or third) the positive thread. Yes, we're struggling and the Flames aren't playing the way we want them to, but it's depressing how insanely negative everyone is about the team. It's over the top and a bit much.

I hope they can turn things around. Either Iggy or the Czech hits a hot streak and we start squeaking some wins to get the confidence up again.

[playmaker]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Just to clarify, is this a believe in playoffs, believe in winning a cup, or anything that is remotely positive?

believe in rebuild perhaps ?

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

I am not sure I believe, but in between wild eyed optimism and wallowing in misery is still lots of opportunity to enjoy the possibility of the season and what 2013 may bring.

There's a small vocal group that has literally been waiting years to enjoy the downfall of the team. Eventually they will have their day. I would not let it bother you.

[Travis Munroe]

I believe in the first objective for every team that takes to the ice....playoffs. I dont care if you make the playoffs in first or 8th. Every team starts out fresh in the playoffs and regular season success doesn't always translate into regular season success..

[station]

Originally Posted by Gary83

That glass is definitely half full, my friend.

Technically it's completely full. 50% water / 50% air. How's that for optimism?

[You Need a Thneed]

When the luck changes a little bit, and Iggy's shots start going in again, this team will put together a winning streak that will get the Flames right back into the mix. Looking at the standings, there's a lot of mediocre teams out there.

With Backlund and Bärtschi back, the Flames could have 3.5 scoring lines.

[kyuss275]

30% of schedule done. Most alarming part is that the flames are almost done half of their home games and have a record of 2-5-2. They are going to have to go 22-11 to make it and that's with playing in April mostly on the road. It's not over, but nothing from the past couple of years tells me they can make it.

However i will still cheer them on for every game.

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois

I am not sure I believe, but in between wild eyed optimism and wallowing in misery is still lots of opportunity to enjoy the possibility of the season and what 2013 may bring.

There's a small vocal group that has literally been waiting years to enjoy the downfall of the team. Eventually they will have their day. I would not let it bother you.

I would say there is a small minority that was bewildered for years as to how this team was achieving success, I was definitely in that category. Eventually I realized that coaching over the past two seasons was the reason why we were experiencing success. I doubt there is a Flames fan in the world that has been waiting for years to enjoy having a team that is one of the worst in the NHL.

[Flames89]

(Haven't read the thread but )
4 pts back with 1 game in hand. All our games are against divisional opponents.

[AltaGuy]

I think we are two good centers away from being a good (playoff) team. So Backlund comes back, and that makes just one.

I don't believe we need a #1 center either - preferably someone big and fast who has some hockey smarts (unlike, for instance, Jokinen).

We have plenty of depth to trade for said player too.