What do you want out of this season? Pick or Playoffs? - Page 4 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Rerun · 10-10-2013, 09:21 AM

High draft choice pick.

Playoffs are nice but to get into the playoffs and get knocked out in the first round (which if we did is probably what would happen) is depressing. Been there done that.

I think we need one more high pick (a top ranked d-man) to assure this team's success for years to come.

I don't care if people call me a rotten fan worthy of only rooting for the greasers... but you can call me a realist too.

Poe969 · 10-10-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfotiu

I don't think you fluke into an 8th spot over an 82 game season. If we finished 8th this year, then we are in a decent spot. With the prospects on the horizon and the youth already in the line up we are on a pretty good path to improve for each of the next 3 or 4 years. Finishing last this year may or may not get us that elite talent, but it definitely puts us a couple years behind finishing 8th.

100% disagree. Getting into the 8th spot isn't a good place for this team, getting the 8th spot would mean a mid pick with another early playoff exit. At this point, I'd want either to be a contender or still building

As for wanting a pick having effed up priorities....that's funny. I don't agree with you so I'm wrong. I think it's effed up to strive for mediocrity like this team has done for the past decade or so. I don't want to "just make the playoffs" I want to win the cup. I think people who set the standard as making the playoffs are losers who aren't setting the bar high enough.

Short term pain, long term gain. I'm not saying to just not try any more because this team is actually playing well. I'm saying that if we could end the season today, I don't think this team would make it past 5 games. If this team does make the playoffs, I'll be happy because they did so. If this team falls flat and gets a lottery pick, I'll be happy as well. As long as the younger players get a chance to develop, it'll be a good year.

Tron_fdc · 10-10-2013, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rerun

High draft choice pick.

Playoffs are nice but to get into the playoffs and get knocked out in the first round (which if we did is probably what would happen) is depressing. Been there done that.

I think we need one more high pick (a top ranked d-man) to assure this team's success for years to come.

I don't care if people call me a rotten fan worthy of only rooting for the greasers... but you can call me a realist too.

Dunno about that. To me the most exciting hockey of the year is the last 10 games of an NHL season where everyone is jockeying for a spot/home ice, and the subsequent playoff games (no matter how many). Personally, I would take 2 home playoff dates over 20 regular season games any day.

Draft smart, trade well, and sign some key free agents that don't require you overspend, and you can obtain the same results (or better) than sucking for 4 years. Just ask Edmonton.

LouCypher · 10-10-2013, 09:44 AM

Playoffs for sure, if you draft properly you shouldn't always need the top picks.

Table 5 · 10-10-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rerun

I think we need one more high pick (a top ranked d-man) to assure this team's success for years to come.

I think even that is somewhat wishful thinking. Perhaps some of those guys are already in the system, but I still think we need the following to be considered a team that could be a cup contender (as opposed to a playoff contenders):

1. High end can-do-it-all defenseman (ie a Weber, Doughty type). This is where we probably need another Top 5 (or 10 if we're a little lucky) pick. It's our biggest glaring hole.

2. A shutdown in-yo-face defenseman who makes life really hard for the opposition (Regehr type). If we're lucky, maybe Sieloff is that guy.

3. A big, tough, skilled winger (ideally RW). We're still undersized and need someone who is built for the playoffs (ie, a Lucic or Iginla type). After Poirier, things get pretty thin on that right wing.

4. Even though the Bruins have showed that you can do it without, I'd still love to see an undisputed franchise-type center. Monahan may or may not be that guy...but you can never have enough elite centers. These guys pretty much almost always have to be Top 3 type of picks. Hard to do without failing or getting really lucky (ie, Getzlaf).

5. A superpest who takes opposing skilled guys off their game. (a Marchand, Nieminen, Gallagher type).

6. And last but not least, a solid dependable goalie. (which we may or may not have in the system already?). I'm not as concerned about this right now, as I would rather focus be placed on defense for the moment.

So yeah, I think we're still a good 5-6 players away from being a team who can compete for a cup. It's of course extremely hard to get all of this in one team, at the same time, and get them to gel, but this is what I am prioritizing if I'm Feaster.

scottish_flame · 10-10-2013, 09:50 AM

Playoffs everyday. You play the game to win.

Hanna Sniper · 10-10-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

No, but you can trade your future away to make it in...kind of like how the Flames were doing for years. I think the HOW is what it comes down to for me....if it's because the young players are pushing and developing enough to make it in, then awesome. If it's because of the vets, or newly acquired vets traded for the future, who are taking time away from the young kids...then I'm a lot less enthusiastic.

Again, the goal should be to win a cup, not to make the playoffs. Getting in is no longer enough. Cinderella teams just don't win cups (and before anyone says anything, no, the Kings were not a Cinderella team).

You can't win the cup without making the playoffs, making the playoffs means your goal is to win the cup. Not wanting to make the playoffs means your goal is not to win the cup

mrdonkey · 10-10-2013, 10:15 AM

I have a feeling we are going to miss out on both.

I hope for the pick because hard work will only get you so far. This team lacks the talent to go anywhere but the only way to get it is to draft high. I just feel like we will play hard and the fans will love it but we will end up right back in that all too familiar 9th-10th place wasteland.

JobHopper · 10-10-2013, 10:17 AM

I would never bet against the Flames regardless. We've played 4 games in a 82 game schedule and a lot can happen between now and the end of the season including the prospects seasons. This is the time to focus on the BIG club and what you have and what they can do.
There are just so many intangibles, I mean if the Flames had picked higher say 2 spots this year would they have Monahan right now?

The goal should be playoffs and the Cup and that means winning.

troutman · 10-10-2013, 10:19 AM

I want to win the Cup. You need playoffs and picks to get a shot.

Flash Walken · 10-10-2013, 10:21 AM

I like what Table said.

If they make the playoffs with a commitment to selling expiring players at the deadline and continuing a methodical rebuild, by all means, I want the playoffs.

If they hold onto a top 6 forward at the deadline because they are in a playoff position, I'll be frustrated.

Rerun · 10-10-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

I think even that is somewhat wishful thinking. Perhaps some of those guys are already in the system, but I still think we need the following to be considered a team that could be a cup contender (as opposed to a playoff contenders):

1. High end can-do-it-all defenseman (ie a Weber, Doughty type). This is where we probably need another Top 5 (or 10 if we're a little lucky) pick. It's our biggest glaring hole.

Definitely have to finish low enough in the standings to get a decent shot at Ekblad. He's the guy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

2. A shutdown in-yo-face defenseman who makes life really hard for the opposition (Regehr type). If we're lucky, maybe Sieloff is that guy.

Sieloff probably is. Don't forget about Wotherspoon, Ramage, and (hopefully) Kanzig

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

3. A big, tough, skilled winger (ideally RW). We're still undersized and need someone who is built for the playoffs (ie, a Lucic or Iginla type). After Poirier, things get pretty thin on that right wing.

Poirier, Ferland, and Klimchuk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

4. Even though the Bruins have showed that you can do it without, I'd still love to see an undisputed franchise-type center. Monahan may or may not be that guy...but you can never have enough elite centers. These guys pretty much almost always have to be Top 3 type of picks. Hard to do without failing or getting really lucky (ie, Getzlaf).

Monahan definitely and then Jankowski perhaps? (still real early to tell about Janko but I have high hopes)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

5. A superpest who takes opposing skilled guys off their game. (a Marchand, Nieminen, Gallagher type).

At 5'6" Gaudreau has to have a lot of pest in him... or he wouldn't be where he is. A pest with lots of talent like Fleury.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

6. And last but not least, a solid dependable goalie. (which we may or may not have in the system already?). I'm not as concerned about this right now, as I would rather focus be placed on defense for the moment.

Gillies and Brossoit are the future

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

So yeah, I think we're still a good 5-6 players away from being a team who can compete for a cup. It's of course extremely hard to get all of this in one team, at the same time, and get them to gel, but this is what I am prioritizing if I'm Feaster.

Poe969 · 10-10-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanna Sniper

You can't win the cup without making the playoffs, making the playoffs means your goal is to win the cup. Not wanting to make the playoffs means your goal is not to win the cup

I think it depends how you get into the playoffs. If it means playing the last few games and watching other teams just to make 8th or actually being a contender. The goal of this team has been 8th place for so long that people think it's acceptable. If it meant getting 8th place this year with a first round exit or getting a top 3 pick and then in 2 years (just an example) dominating the regular season and being favoured to win the cup then I'm going to say pick 100% of the time.

So if it's this year making the playoffs and getting 8th or being 30th and getting a top pick and then making the playoffs in a couple years and being a contender, then pick all the way.

FlamesAddiction · 10-10-2013, 10:32 AM

Playoffs first. My philosophy is to go for it at the beginning of the season no matter what the odds say, and then if things don't look good after the 1st half, then start worrying about draft picks and rebuilding moves.

Poe969 · 10-10-2013, 10:35 AM

Well I think no matter what, we all agree that this team should be playing to their best of abilities. I don't agree with sitting some players or telling them to go 50%. We all want to see the Flames win. I didn't think that was the question

GreenLantern · 10-10-2013, 10:36 AM

Playoffs for sure, I just have that feeling we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.. so I am just sticking with some of the above, success in the form of growth as a team.

Stay Golden · 10-10-2013, 10:37 AM

Pick or playoffs. I will take playoffs every time. Just ask Edmonton if they would rather have 1 or 2 less top 10 draft picks in the last 7 years or the playoffs. Continue to rebuild by moving Cammy, Stajan and Glencross at the deadline.
Also if the Flames during a rebuild make the playoffs the team suddenly attracts FA's in the offseason that see the Flames are young and they made the playoffs. Calgary becomes an attractive destination once again, and it indicates to FA's there is a quality organization with good coaching that defied the odds with a roster that was suppose to be in the basement.

19Yzerman19 · 10-10-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

In an 82 game season I don't know that you can "fluke" your way into the playoffs. If you get in - you deserve to be there.

I tend to agree with this. I suppose it's possible but it's not at all likely. Not necessarily true if it's a 48 game season, though.

Rerun · 10-10-2013, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

In an 82 game season I don't know that you can "fluke" your way into the playoffs. If you get in - you deserve to be there.

Oh you deserve to be there all right.. even if you are in 8th spot. But do you deserve to win the cup after just squeaking into the playoffs? Probably not and you probably won't.

The cup should be the goal, not the playoffs. When your goal is only to make the playoffs, you usually don't go very far after that.

Just like going to the Olympics. If your goal, and if you have the talent, is to make the Olympic team you probably will but chances are pretty slim that you'll win a medal.

Resolute 14 · 10-10-2013, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon

Of course anyone that doesn't agree with you can only do so because they have "effed up priorities."

I want the team to win the Stanley Cup and I think a fluke run to the 8th spot in the conference hurts the teams chances going forward of winning the Cup.

I will gladly take the short term "pain" of missing the play-offs and building the team properly if it means better chances of winning the Cup in the future over an "exciting" run at the play-offs that has our moronic management team thinking the team is further along than they are and once again has us add mediocre talent to the rather than the elite level talent this team needs.

Aww, muffin. Are you a little upset?

If you want the playoffs, you want to see this team succeed. If you want a great pick, you want to see this team fail. It's that simple. I certainly agree with desiring limits on how much you are willing to give up for that success right now - i.e.: I don't think anyone wants to see us sacrifice prospects or draft picks to make the playoffs. But one of the earlier posters said it best: If you desire losing and high draft picks, go cheer for Edmonton.