Where do the Flames find that extra goal per game?

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Games like the Oilers 2-1 and Jets 3-2 setbacks where the Flames have the larger share of shot attempts and zone time but come up short on the scoreboard need to happen less in order to make anything out of this season.

Even half a goal more for per-game would make a world of difference on the results side, given that the team leads the NHL in one goal contests (24 now on the year, I believe).

They have limited cap space, and probably don't want to/should not deal their 2023 1st given the quality of this upcoming draft.

Lucic is not a viable option for the 2nd line for the remainder of the year, as he's getting up there, and aside from not having the hands to finish plays consistently, probably will lose his legs as the games wear on.

What, then, can bring the team that added skill or finish to its top 6/9 so that they can not only see the playoffs, but have a fool's hope of making any noise?

-Ruzicka, once he rebounds from his "flu" lull
-Restructuring of the lines again
-Another look for Matthew Philips
-Different farm option (Pelletier, Zary, other?)
-Trade
-Stay the course, the offense will work itself out
-Forget it, sell and tank for the draft

[Reggie Dunlop]

Everyone just needs to work harder.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

I think a better PP strategy can also be considered an answer to this.

The PP system they have been running with has been awful. And they have changed/adjusted very little about it.

Getting the PP up to the middle of the pack would also lend itself to more consistent wins for the group.

That's also assuming they get some opportunities, which have been in short supply for this team in recent times (hello, refs?).

[GioforPM]

Mangiapane and to a lesser extent Coleman need to chip in more.

[STAMPEDRED]

They are what they are. A ~ .500 club. They don’t have that drive to get it done when needed, just no heart in the team yet. But that was caused by too much turnover over the off season. They need a heart player to rise up that everyone will want to rally around. Not sure who that is yet on the team; hopefully we’ll find out soon though and the way of the team will improve! Until then, we are a bubble playoff team that will be fighting down to the wire to see if they get in or not

[The Cobra]

A extra goal a game this season would give the Flames a goal differential of +40, second best in the league by a large margin.

It’s an unrealistic goal.

[bc-chris]

stop hitting the post/cross bar!!!!

[SportsJunky]

Just be better!

[Goriders]

I think eventually if they are still in the race they will be bringing someone in.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Mangiapane and to a lesser extent Coleman need to chip in more.

I will second that

Mangiapane is making his contract look flat out awful

He is on pace for his worst season since his half year as a rookie

[getbak]

Matthew Phillips sitting on Jakob Pelletier's shoulders while wearing an oversized trench coat.

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by getbak

Matthew Phillips sitting on Jakob Pelletier's shoulders while wearing an oversized trench coat.

I am only one man.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Puck Luck.

[memphusk]

You have to be good to get lucky.

[CGY12]

Restructuring the lines. I know we've tried a number of combos but I'd like to see Ruzicka given a shot with Huberdeau and Kadri. I originally thought Dube but he's working well with Lindholm and Toffoli. I think Ruzicka has the patience, IQ and skating ability to be effective with those 2, even if he's playing his off wing.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by bc-chris

stop hitting the post/cross bar!!!!

Flames: so miss the net entirely, roger that!

[InternationalVillager]

Jakub Vrana

[Patek23]

Start Vladar and you got your extra half goal right there

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

I will second that

Mangiapane is making his contract look flat out awful

He is on pace for his worst season since his half year as a rookie

I'll third it.

The extra goal should be coming from Mangiapane. Thats whats been missing on the scoresheet this year. He finds his game in the 2nd half and that will be like a pre-deadline pick up.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by CGY12

Restructuring the lines. I know we've tried a number of combos but I'd like to see Ruzicka given a shot with Huberdeau and Kadri. I originally thought Dube but he's working well with Lindholm and Toffoli. I think Ruzicka has the patience, IQ and skating ability to be effective with those 2, even if he's playing his off wing.

He needs to find the drive to play hard every game. Lucic playing his hardest every game might not be amazing, but it beats Ruzicka on the nights he no-shows. He had that one or two week period where he brought the work ethic, but since then he has looked like he is just going through the motions. Sutter will whip him into shape like he did Dube and that spot will be his for the taking.