I Believe - 2013

[DeluxeMoustache]

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.

I don't see that the defense getting involved offensively is resulting in goals against. The D are getting back and not being badly outnumbered in odd man rushes. There also is the common sentiment that the forwards are blowing the zone and causing problems. Not an issue against LA at all.

Look at last night. All 3 goals were initiated in the d zone. The Flames left the LA puck carrier on the outside with little pressure, then LA threw it in front where the team D was not first to the puck in any case.

First goal, Begin cheats outside a bit too far, opening up a passing lane. Comeau is watching the puck and not Dustin Brown cruising in to the slot. That is just awful D zone coverage. If Bouw and Butler are going to let Kopitar cruise around the outside, then someone needs to cover the shooters moving in to the slot. Comeau.

The second goal MacDonald was arguably overcommitted, and the third goal by Carter was pretty much the same as the first. From the outside thrown to a guy up high.

The common complaints that everyone is throwing out are really not that relevant to what actually is happening.

Against Phoenix, people were throwing out the fact that Iggy was -2 but a breakdown of the goals showed that he was not at fault on anything.

After the LA game, everybody is talking about how the Flames are too small and not tough enough, but none of these goals resulted in the Kings outmuscling Calgary using their size and strength. They were unchallenged on the outside and allowed to put the puck in a high percentage scoring chance position.

These are problems that are coachable, and the plan according to Hartley is to work on them tomorrow.

On the offensive side, there were passes in people's feet and a lot of pass recipients who couldn't find the handle. It was quite frustrating to watch, but I don't see the problems in the same light as a lot of the folks in the other threads.

[Bertuzzied]

500 hockey by our backups until Kipper gets back and then it's playoffs bound.

Course we won't get out of the first round if we stay with this butlersoft lineup.

[Trailer Fire]

As much as this team disappoints me and frustrates me sometimes, I still love them. I don't want to see Iggy move. I want to see Kipper come back for a few more years. I want Bouw and Gio and Scoreface and Tangs to step it up and play like we all know they can play. I believe. I truly do. We've got the pieces, we just need to put them together. It isn't too late. Not yet.

[Jbo]

It's hard to look at that number 22 wins and 11 losses. Gotta win 2/3 the entire way. This is a team that even when looking great has only put back to back wins together once all season..

I will always believe and hate seeing all the cheering to tank in other threads, but I can appriciate it is a long shot.

[Fire in the disco]

Thanks for the thread, sometimes the group think that goes on in this message board really bothers me. I think change is still definitely in order, but as was said its our center depth that needs the biggest change. We have depth players to make depth moves as well. I'd love to see at least one punishing d man on the back end, a tough 3rd liner with skill, and no more Comeau/Butler

[EVERLAST]

I still watch as much as I have in the past.

I still Care. Ive been a fan since they came from Atlanta.

I hate admitting I am a total homer even when they lose as bad as they do.

I have always believed.

I think Hartley, Gelinas and Cloutier and Feaster and Conroy and Weisbroad want to see this team succeed as well and believe.

I dont think the players believe and thats the hardest part.

Brent Sutter, Jim playfair, Mike Keenan all said before Hartley said it that its all between the players ears in making up their minds whether they want to win or not.

The talent is their own...they have the tools to use but its up to them how to use those tools.

They brought to this team some Champions in Hartley, Tanguay, Cloutier , Hudler, Feaster, SArich, Weisbroad....all of these guys have Stanley cups and make me believe and keep me watching.

Boy do I get still get upset when they lose though.....even when I know its gonna happen....I love my Flames....till the end.

Go Flames Go

[the2bears]

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.

Clearly this glass has twice the necessary volume it needs.

[BigFlameDog]

Originally Posted by 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...

Yeah, i think this team would be quite different with a training camp and preseason but I think the will/have run out of time this year.

Will probably get it all together in time to make it interesting which would actually kind of suck.

[troutman]

With the poor start and home losses, playoff chances sit around 10%. There is time to turn that around, but it is a real long shot at this point. If they get in, how long will they last vs a team like Chicago? 4-5 games? Two home playoff games puts a bit of $ in the owners' pockets, but at what cost if our valuable depreciating assets are not moved?

I believe in the first objective for every team that takes to the ice....playoffs.

I believe the first objective should be to win the Stanley Cup, not just make the playoffs. You are no less a fan if you think the shortest route to that Cup is a rebuild.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by troutman

With the poor start and home losses, playoff chances sit around 10%. There is time to turn that around, but it is a real long shot at this point. If they get in, how long will they last vs a team like Chicago? 4-5 games? Two home playoff games puts a bit of $ in the owners' pockets, but at what cost if our valuable depreciating assets are not moved?

Playoff odds are a joke IMO.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by the2bears

Clearly this glass has twice the necessary volume it needs.

Nope, safety factor.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Playoff odds are a joke IMO.

Math don't care about that. The longer the season goes, the more accurate those odds become.

Would you bet anyone $100 that the Flames will make the playoffs?

[Komskies]

I believe that Hartley is a great coach and our current struggles are not because of his coaching.

[Loyal and True]

In the first 11 games I generally saw a lot to be optimisitc about, even though the results were not there.

The last 4 games are generally more worrisome, I'm afraid.

But, if the team can get back to how they were playing at the beginning of the year, then I think their luck will turn and the points will accumulate.

There is still time. Gotta make the most of it though!

[timbit]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Playoff odds are a joke IMO.

In your opinion, what are the Flames realistic chances of going 22-11 to finish the season?
Keep in mind that they have completed half of their home games.

[Icon]

For a positive viewpoint... I feel this team has what it takes to be competitive again in 2-3 years.

Spoiler!

(negative spin) Problem is what steps the team needs to follow that through

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by troutman

With the poor start and home losses, playoff chances sit around 10%. There is time to turn that around, but it is a real long shot at this point. If they get in, how long will they last vs a team like Chicago? 4-5 games? Two home playoff games puts a bit of $ in the owners' pockets, but at what cost if our valuable depreciating assets are not moved?

I believe in the first objective for every team that takes to the ice....playoffs.

I believe the first objective should be to win the Stanley Cup, not just make the playoffs. You are no less a fan if you think the shortest route to that Cup is a rebuild.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by troutman

Math don't care about that. The longer the season goes, the more accurate those odds become.

Would you bet anyone $100 that the Flames will make the playoffs?

No I wouldnt but at this point in the season it is far from being an accurate odd and has very little math involved. We are not rolling a dice. Teams can easily win or lose 5 straight to drastically change the entire picture.
I agree once we get into the home stretch the odds become something worth paying attention to.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by timbit

In your opinion, what are the Flames realistic chances of going 22-11 to finish the season?
Keep in mind that they have completed half of their home games.

3-2-1 on the road right now. Missing some key pieces...
I think the odds are low of 22-11 but dont believe 18-11-4 would be unrealistic which would have us in the playoffs based on:
8th place team has played 1/3 of their season with 17 pts. 17x3= 51 points
Current record + 18-11-4 to finish the season = 53 pts

Again, this is the positive rose colored glasses thread. There are enough of the other threads for those who dont believe.

[vektor]

putting 20$ on the Flames to win the Cup would make you rich if you won