The GM and ownership have definitely done their job. The team looks great on paper for the next few years at least. But as a Flames' fan I am used to grand expectations followed by disappointment.
Truthfully as great as the team looks and with Sutter at the helm, things SHOULD go well and they SHOULD contend. However whether it all comes together remains to be seen and is a legitimate worry as long as you are a fan of this franchise. Have seen great teams on paper over the years falter.
What gives me hope is that pretty much the entire core outside of Backlund has been replaced for more veteran players still playing at a high level. With Sutter coaching it more likely than not will lead to a good season.
I think the biggest question mark is actually Markstrom. Mostly because goaltenders are so unpredictable from a year-to-year basis.
If the Flames fall flat, it'll likely be because of him, or because there's a ton of injuries. Neither of these things are unique to the Flames though.
I think the Pacific division is a bit underrated. Nearly every team except San Jose and Arizona got better. But Treliving has built a pretty complete roster. At least for now.
Last = One previous to this
This = current or upcoming (depending on context)
Next = One after this
Today is Tuesday, August 30th. This Thursday, it will be September 1st. Next Thursday will be September 8th, but last Thursday was August 25th,
I think the Flames will do alright this season, and I believe we're in for a pleasant surprise in this season's playoffs. Next season I'm not too sure about. I think we have a couple contracts coming off the books, so we'll have room to add... but we'll need to save some space for Lindholm and Hanifin the season after next.
Edit: Either the thread title was edited to say "this next season" or I completely missed the word "this" and am being unnecessarily pedantic. Orrrr... I'm just being unnecessarily pedantic regardless.
Last edited by FanIn80; 08-30-2022 at 11:11 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to FanIn80 For This Useful Post:
We need one more RW that can replace Tkachuk's presence around the net. Doesn't have to be a world beater, just has to be a guy that can finish Huberdeau's sweet setups. Get that and I think they are better positioned than last season to make noise, but the proof is on the ice and yet to be seen. Chemistry can be a fickle creature.
The Following User Says Thank You to Lanny_McDonald For This Useful Post:
It will interesting to see Johnny get booed off the ice when Columbus returns, and Tkachuk get a standing O for his professional approach to leaving the team.
But... to answer the question, yes the Flames are a M U C H better team than last year. Stop holding on to the past people, unless you love mediocrity!
I think the biggest question mark is actually Markstrom. Mostly because goaltenders are so unpredictable from a year-to-year basis.
If the Flames fall flat, it'll likely be because of him, or because there's a ton of injuries. Neither of these things are unique to the Flames though.
I think the Pacific division is a bit underrated. Nearly every team except San Jose and Arizona got better. But Treliving has built a pretty complete roster. At least for now.
Markstrom....I will admit that the "low glove" weakness really bothered me. Hopefully this is being addressed by the coaching staff.
We need one more RW that can replace Tkachuk's presence around the net. Doesn't have to be a world beater, just has to be a guy that can finish Huberdeau's sweet setups. Get that and I think they are better positioned than last season to make noise, but the proof is on the ice and yet to be seen. Chemistry can be a fickle creature.
I think we regress a little regular season wise, but I am confident we are ready for playoffs.
Over the last few year, this team has got stronger and deeper on forward and got better in net with Markstrom. The biggest hole has been no dman stepping up to be the next Gio. IMO if Weegar comes in and is this teams best dman, we are a true contender.
It will interesting to see Johnny get booed off the ice when Columbus returns, and Tkachuk get a standing O for his professional approach to leaving the team.
But... to answer the question, yes the Flames are a M U C H better team than last year. Stop holding on to the past people, unless you love mediocrity!
With JG, Flames management had the chance to be proactive but chose to be reactive and lost. Getting zero for JG is poor asset management. With Tkachuk you are dead on right.
We need one more RW that can replace Tkachuk's presence around the net. Doesn't have to be a world beater, just has to be a guy that can finish Huberdeau's sweet setups. Get that and I think they are better positioned than last season to make noise, but the proof is on the ice and yet to be seen. Chemistry can be a fickle creature.
I Think this is where toffoli needs to step up this year. He needs to play with a playmaker and what better guy than huberdeau. He was shuffled around quite a bit last year and never played with a true playmaker. Hopefully a full offseason of training under darryl will help too.He will be an important guy to get production from. If huby can turn Bennett into a 28 goal scorer, I am intrigued what he can do for toffoli and Lindholm. kadri will more than make up for Tkachuks grit.
