Can the Flames use the long homestand to build identity?

[Steve Macfarlane]

Last year they had a lengthy roadie to set the tone for the season. This year the script is flipped. Can the Flames take advantage of a long stay at the Saddledome to make it - and them - a feared visit?

https://calgaryhockeynow.com/calgary...lm-home-stand/

[transplant99]

Why not?

[Paulie Walnuts]

The Flames took off during the 10 game home stand last season. I don't see why we can't this year. We could be in a good position for the rest of the year.

[dino7c]

For sure it can... quality of opponents is also really high though

I actually think it's a bit of a tough stretch, doing well would really set them up

[Steve Macfarlane]

I think a good start here and they could be Presidents' Trophy type season. Every line has a bit of a blemish but it's more of a sum of its parts thing this year with a lot of balance and a fantastic defence.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Steve Macfarlane

I think a good start here and they could be Presidents' Trophy type season. Every line has a bit of a blemish but it's more of a sum of its parts thing this year with a lot of balance and a fantastic defence.

I hope not.....only because it seems like that team never wins it all.

[Gaudfather]

I like the sound of starting the season 10-0!

[Kipper_3434]

Build an identity? The identity is built.

Build some momentum? Sure but this time of year isn't when it's needed so much.

[SebC]

Practically speaking, Sutter may be able to use last change advantage to get our top line(s) easier matchups while they're building chemistry. If home ice tips the balance enough that we win games we maybe shouldn't during the adjustment period, we'll come out ahead overall.

On the other hand, if our growing pains are sufficient to overcome home ice advantage, that could be quite devastating because we'd need to even things out on the road.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I think identity is built through adversity.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I hope not.....only because it seems like that team never wins it all.

The Presidents' Trophy has been awarded 36 times, and if I count correctly, 8 of those teams have won the Stanley Cup the same season. I like those odds a lot better than 1 in 32 or even 1 in 16.

[EVERLAST]

Appreciate the write up. Since Darryl came back so did that identity. We are no longer a soft, unfocused, unprepared cluster f.

Now we check hard, sticks in lanes , gaps controlled and we play as a team.

2 guys that be gone wanted accolades nothing but accolades and now they can do that elsewhere which brings joy to my hardened heart.

It's weird ....it was like James Neal came here and left bad MOJO behind and we needed an exorcism of those demons to move forward.

Refreshing change. So glad to have Huberdeau, Weegs, Kadri in those spots moving forward and having D extended.

Go Flames

[Macman]

It’s good to have this many home games to start the season but wether it’s at home or on the road, these early season wins and points are crucial.
Get as many wins as you can early. I don’t think the Flames will be a wild card team but it’s tough making up even 3-4 points down the stretch wether it’s for a playoff spot or the division for home ice in the playoffs.

[Steve Macfarlane]

I don't think they have an identity yet this year. They have the coach's identity that they want to strive for but I'm not sure anyone is saying two games in that they are a tight checking, hard to play against team just yet. I think that will come but Reggie is right, adversity is what really builds the identity.

[Always Earned Never Given]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Why not?

He's in Halifax....

[getbak]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I hope not.....only because it seems like that team never wins it all.

That just shows how hard it is to win either trophy. It is interesting to note that although the 2013 Blackhawks were the last team to win both in the same season, 3 of the last 5 Cup winners had won the President's Trophy the year before they won the Cup.

[Northendzone]

i dont think they can as there are no good "gentleman's clubs" left in calgary like there would be if they were on the road in ottawa, montreal or toronto.

i also don't care for the idea of them playing a quarter of their home games by november and would rather they have a home stand like this towards the end of the season; however, with all that being said, it would be interesting to understand if the player would really rather have the schedule be this way, or home heavy towards the end of the season, or if they really don't care

[joejoe3]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I hope not.....only because it seems like that team never wins it all.

exactly the reason why Avs took it easy at the end so Florida got that title.