Flames' system, what's working and what isn't

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Not arguing with this at all.

But they added Zary and Sharangovich this year, minus Toffoli and Zadorov for about half the year.

And better goaltending.

Last year finished with 93 points, this year on 84 point pace.

If they are over achieving this year, what does that say about last year? Maybe last year's system focused on man on man d zone and shot volume was actually gaining them points.

I do think that Lewis and Lucic were quite underappreciated.

It’s hard to play the way Darryl plays for extended periods of time. But it’s undeniably effective - the man was a HC for four teams and he won 190+ games with three of them.

The results this year don’t mean Huska is a bad coach - even with a Hall of Fame coach behind the bench, this is not a playoff roster without Gaudreau and Tkachuk.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Not arguing with this at all.

But they added Zary and Sharangovich this year, minus Toffoli and Zadorov for about half the year.

And better goaltending.

Last year finished with 93 points, this year on 84 point pace.

If they are over achieving this year, what does that say about last year? Maybe last year's system focused on man on man d zone and shot volume was actually gaining them points.

I do think that Lewis and Lucic were quite underappreciated.

I was thinking that as well. That last year's system was sunk by goaltending. This year's system is propped by goaltending. That said, I think that there are some things we're doing this year that make it easier on the goaltenders. I see less tic-tac-toe goals against, where it's just a forward against the yawning cage.

As for Lucic and Lewis, I don't think it's much of a downgrade from Lucic to Greer. Lewis was a valuable part of the PK, but Sharangovich is excelling in that role as well. Ruzicka and Dube have been nothing to write home about. That said, I think their role is harder, playing only 8-9 mins a night.

[Enoch Root]

Looking at that first stat 'Goal Differential Above Expected', placing the Flames 8th, my immediate reaction is: flawed stat.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

I'm not trying to take a shot at Huska or the system, because I do like that the Flames are preventing most of the high danger passes, and seem to run around less in their own zone thanks to switching to zone defense. That said, what do you think is the issue? Is it personnel? Do we need better D in the top 4? Is it the bottom pairing sinking the ship? Maybe the centers aren't doing enough? Or are our wingers missing assignments?

E) All of the above

The team is exactly where they should be in the standings based on the personnel

[robertsfanatic]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

It’s a simple answer but I think it’s the truth. If Huberdeau was still a 90 point forward this team looks a lot different.

although what you're saying isn't wrong, people need to bury his passes for him to get points...he'd probably still not be on a 90 point pace with this team but 70 to 80 if people could finish.

need to find a few more skilled players.