Will Flames make the playoffs?

[browntrout]

Based on their play, I don't see them making the playoffs. There are just way to many 4-5 million dollar players who are have peaked and are starting to decline.

I see absolutely nothing about Huberdeau that remotely makes me think he can drive or carry a team....an expectation you would think with his contract....

I get a vibe that this will be Sutter's last year behind the bench, looks like he realizes what this team is.... average.

Team needs a proper rebuild.....the loss of Gaudreau and Tkachuk was just too much

Never thought I would say this but I think it's time the GM moved...a different philosophy is needed

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by HighLifeMan

Well that's because Florida's PP went to **** in the playoffs. At even strength Huberdeau outscored his opponents 8-3, and Weegar's metrics were once again very strong. I can't help but to think Florida would have absolutely steamrolled Edmonton.

Additionally Huberdeau was a point per game player in the playoffs for his career prior to last season.

Anyone who watched these two with any regularity over the past few seasons can see they are being heavily underutilized, and again not only are they struggling, but the team has just 21 wins in 46 games. Maybe it's the coaches turn to show a little bit of flexibility and adaptability.

Well in terms of what I’m seeing, Huberdeau is having trouble just making some basic hockey player plays that are not due to coaching. He’s losing a lot of puck battles and 50/50’s which is the foundation of your game. For a guy who’s also 6’1”, 200, he plays small and gets easily pushed off of pucks and has made blind passes all over the ice. He’s not going to score 100 points playing like this. A coach can’t teach this kind of stuff, this is intrinsic stuff built into a hockey player.

Also, It’s not like Darryl is telling him not to make plays or forcing him to dump and chase, he wants the top guys to make plays and score goals, but until Huberdeau starts doing more of the foundational things right which will lead to more scoring chances and opportunities, then he might continue to stay where he’s at.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

Well in terms of what I’m seeing, Huberdeau is having trouble just making some basic hockey player plays that are not due to coaching. He’s losing a lot of puck battles and 50/50’s which is the foundation of your game. For a guy who’s also 6’1”, 200, he plays small and gets easily pushed off of pucks and has made blind passes all over the ice. He’s not going to score 100 points playing like this. A coach can’t teach this kind of stuff, this is intrinsic stuff built into a hockey player.

Also, It’s not like Darryl is telling him not to make plays or forcing him to dump and chase, he wants the top guys to make plays and score goals, but until Huberdeau starts doing more of the foundational things right which will lead to more scoring chances and opportunities, then he might continue to stay where he’s at.

I honestly don't see this at all. His production is off, sure. He's 10 points behind the guy he's replacing. BUT he's about equal in giveaways and takeaways with Gaudreau, he hits a ton more and has a better (though negative) GAE.

I see more problem with his pass recipients than his passing, by far.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I honestly don't see this at all. His production is off, sure. He's 10 points behind the guy he's replacing. BUT he's about equal in giveaways and takeaways with Gaudreau, he hits a ton more and has a better (though negative) GAE.

I see more problem with his pass recipients than his passing, by far.

I have always thought it's between the ears.

He wants it so bad he forces it.

Too many twirling back passes when the simple play would keep a rush or cycle going.

I think he calms down ... and we see a difference but it may take a summer to reset.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I have always thought it's between the ears.

He wants it so bad he forces it.

Too many twirling back passes when the simple play would keep a rush or cycle going.

I think he calms down ... and we see a difference but it may take a summer to reset.

If things don't turn around for him and the team, I do wonder what happens.
- Does he ask for a trade and is that possible
- Does the team think he can succeed under Sutter and if not, where do they make a change
- Does the team think they lack the right type of players for him to succeed with and make changes there

The team made a massive commitment to Huberdeau. Unless there is a path where he leaves the team, I have to think they are going to try and change some of the variables around him to find a way for him to succeed.

Fascinating.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

If things don't turn around for him and the team, I do wonder what happens.
- Does he ask for a trade and is that possible
- Does the team think he can succeed under Sutter and if not, where do they make a change
- Does the team think they lack the right type of players for him to succeed with and make changes there

The team made a massive commitment to Huberdeau. Unless there is a path where he leaves the team, I have to think they are going to try and change some of the variables around him to find a way for him to succeed.

Fascinating.

Which would be foot speed I think right?

But then why not try Dube with him if that's their thinking. Makes me think they think it's on him, and they're waiting for him to sort it out.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Foot speed and instincts/chemistry where to go so that Huberdeau finds you.
And I agree, I would try Dube.

[Flamesfan05]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I honestly don't see this at all. His production is off, sure. He's 10 points behind the guy he's replacing. BUT he's about equal in giveaways and takeaways with Gaudreau, he hits a ton more and has a better (though negative) GAE.

I see more problem with his pass recipients than his passing, by far.

Compared Huberdeau with Gaudreau last year ….there is no comparison

One guy carried the puck and generated most of the team’s offense. The other guy made fancy passes that some times worked

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan05

Compared Huberdeau with Gaudreau last year ….there is no comparison

One guy carried the puck and generated most of the team’s offense. The other guy made fancy passes that some times worked

Dude they both made fancy passes that sometimes worked. When describing these two players that's not a Huberdeau exclusive haha.

[Macho0978]

The Flames have a team full of players good enough to be on a championship team and some that can be top players on a championship team. This team just does not have the right mix to get it done.

To fix it though they need to look at all veterans and short-term deals and make decisions on who stays and who goes. But they also need to play some young players. Sure, they don't have higher end prospects, but they have 3-5 NHL ready prospect to be excited about. PPG players in the AHL and an elite goalie.

It's time to clear some spots and get these kids in. If Sutter needs to go, he needs to go to get these guys in.

Doing it now also puts us in a position to add one of those higher end prospects we all think this team is missing. The Flames sell now they can sneak into the top 10 of this draft.

I personally would move at least 2 of the following:

Backlund
Toffolli
Tanev
Mangiapane
Markstrom

I'd be ok to wait to talk contract with Hanifin before moving him.

Lindholm is a must keep unless they full rebuild. Almost all others on short term deals should be looked at as someone that can be moved.

But typical Flames, they will not do this now and draft 12th to 14th overall and get no extra picks in this draft and shuffle things up in the summer

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I honestly don't see this at all. His production is off, sure. He's 10 points behind the guy he's replacing. BUT he's about equal in giveaways and takeaways with Gaudreau, he hits a ton more and has a better (though negative) GAE.

I see more problem with his pass recipients than his passing, by far.

Huberdeau’s production isn’t just “off” though, he’s basically on pace for half of his previous year’s totals. Like as in 50% less goals, assists, points. I know for myself, I anticipated a big drop for him in production coming here, but even this lack of production is a bit of a surprise.

Also, I don’t know if comparing him to Columbus Gaudreau makes much sense, Gaudreau is leading his team in points by a mile and is getting no help. Huberdeau is 4th on his team and has a much deeper roster/talent pool to play with. It would actually make more sense to compare Gaudeau’s numbers last season when he was Flame playing under the same coach, same systems, with most of the same team.

Lastly, I‘ve seen a lot of posters blaming his linemates this season. But guys like Toffoli and Lindholm have produced just fine this season and actually looked worse with Huberdeau. He’s basically played with everyone. At some point, shouldn’t we be asking if Huberdeau could be the problem? Afterall, his minutes are way down and he’s been benched a few times because the coach can’t trust him in some situations. I can’t say I blame Darryl either because like I said, I’m seeing a lot of the warts in his game.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

Huberdeau’s production isn’t just “off” though, he’s basically on pace for half of his previous year’s totals. Like as in 50% less goals, assists, points. I know for myself, I anticipated a big drop for him in production coming here, but even this lack of production is a bit of a surprise.

Also, I don’t know if comparing him to Columbus Gaudreau makes much sense, Gaudreau is leading his team in points by a mile and is getting no help. Huberdeau is 4th on his team and has a much deeper roster/talent pool to play with. It would actually make more sense to compare Gaudeau’s numbers last season when he was Flame playing under the same coach, same systems, with most of the same team.

Lastly, I‘ve seen a lot of posters blaming his linemates this season. But guys like Toffoli and Lindholm have produced just fine this season and actually looked worse with Huberdeau. He’s basically played with everyone. At some point, shouldn’t we be asking if Huberdeau could be the problem? Afterall, his minutes are way down and he’s been benched a few times because the coach can’t trust him in some situations. I can’t say I blame Darryl either because like I said, I’m seeing a lot of the warts in his game.

Well Huberdeau is playing with Lucic so IDK

Gaudreau won't be half off his points but he will go from +64 or something to -30

Flames are at least above water with Huberdeau on the ice. Huberdeau needs to be much better but he isn't really being put in the best situation here.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Well Huberdeau is playing with Lucic so IDK

Gaudreau won't be half off his points but he will go from +64 or something to -30

Flames are at least above water with Huberdeau on the ice. Huberdeau needs to be much better but he isn't really being put in the best situation here.

People have dumped on Lucic, but I'm pretty sure Lucic has been Huberdeau's most productive linemate so far as a Flame. Huberdeau's 5 on 5 production prior to Lucic was something like 7 points in 29 games prior. With Lucic, 10 in 14 games. People can say what they want, but Lucic transformed his game. Also, Darryl has sheltered him a lot, he gets tons of offensive zone starts, so he's being put in a great position.

Lastly, I've already been over the Gaudreau on a bad/rebuilding team stuff, not going to waste anymore time with you on that.

[dino7c]

I'm not dumping on Lucic...its just reality. Nobody is going to be putting up big numbers playing with him

[MrMike]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

People have dumped on Lucic, but I'm pretty sure Lucic has been Huberdeau's most productive linemate so far as a Flame. Huberdeau's 5 on 5 production prior to Lucic was something like 7 points in 29 games prior. With Lucic, 10 in 14 games. People can say what they want, but Lucic transformed his game. Also, Darryl has sheltered him a lot, he gets tons of offensive zone starts, so he's being put in a great position.

Lastly, I've already been over the Gaudreau on a bad/rebuilding team stuff, not going to waste anymore time with you on that.

Lucic is great for board battle/puck retrieval, but he’s missing all of the other aspects that Huberdeau and Kadri need for that line. I don’t think Lucic is responsible for Hubey playing better. If anything, he’s hurting what his production may actually have been for those past 14 games.

[dino7c]

I'm not even saying the Flames have that guy...Gaudreau was playing with Tkachuk and Lindholm though for his big season.

Huberdeau is playing with Lucic and Kadri...are we really going to compare their numbers like its fair?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

People have dumped on Lucic, but I'm pretty sure Lucic has been Huberdeau's most productive linemate so far as a Flame. Huberdeau's 5 on 5 production prior to Lucic was something like 7 points in 29 games prior. With Lucic, 10 in 14 games. People can say what they want, but Lucic transformed his game. Also, Darryl has sheltered him a lot, he gets tons of offensive zone starts, so he's being put in a great position.

Lastly, I've already been over the Gaudreau on a bad/rebuilding team stuff, not going to waste anymore time with you on that.

LOL, okay dude.

[Kasi]

Or maybe they played some pretty weak teams during that time period and that propped up the stats some. Those San Jose numbers sure looked nice.

[JohnnyB]

My guess is if the Flames haven't climbed into a divisional spot by the 23rd of February, the following month will leave them on the outside and they won't recover. Just a guess, but if they aren't rolling by then I don't think they'll be a strong enough team to go through so many games in that time span and come out ahead.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

LOL, okay dude.

Guy is out to lunch with his takes on Gaudreau and Huberdeau.

He also called the Gaudreau Lindholm Tkachuk line the best checking line in the game of hockey he has seen. Lol.

Also predicted 100 points for Johnny and a huge drop off for Huberdeau.

It's like Lebron James he just knew.