When does a good start become a good season? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Bingo · 10-12-2013, 09:52 AM

So much fun watching an energetic caring hockey team ply their trade at the Saddledome.

After the Vancouver game the city was gitty with the young team, and now they've found their way to two more wins.

TSN is now talking about the Flames start, and I'm sure there will be a hot stove discussion on it tonight on HNIC.

So when does a good start become a good season? What is a good season for a team that was supposed to finish 29th overall? They are now 7 points clear of last place in the NHL ... when does that gap write off a top five pick?

They say you can't make the playoffs in ten games, but you can miss them. The Oilers and Flames are heading out on extended trips this week, the Flames at 3-0-2, the Oilers at 1-3, where will they be when they get back?

PlayfulGenius · 10-12-2013, 09:56 AM

I don't see a scenario where the Oilers make the playoffs ... This season will go down as a huge disappointment for them.

For the Flames, I think 82+ points has to be considered a good season, though I'm not sure about that.

Wastedyouth · 10-12-2013, 09:56 AM

When we can start establishing a better puck possession game. Right now the team is playing a bit over their heads. Hopefully they don't crash hard ala the 2011 Minnesota wild.

transplant99 · 10-12-2013, 09:56 AM

I have always beleived that you really dont know anything until 25 or so games are in the books, and even then there have been exceptions.

That being said, this club is miles ahead of where i (and most) expected them to be at this point, so it bodes well for a better than expected season.

As far as the Oilers/ Flames trips and where they sit at the conclusion of each....lets just keep it simple...the Oilers suck and the Flames dont, so advantage Flames.

FlameZilla · 10-12-2013, 09:58 AM

It's still so early that anything can happen.

We'll have a better indicator of what this team is made of when they play in California next week.

... and when Cammalleri & Stajan are back in the lineup I fear the dynamic could shift drastically.

I'm happy with the season as is; we've seen a glimpse of what a future Flames team can play like without the dead weight of established veterans.

PsYcNeT · 10-12-2013, 09:58 AM

I think the whole idea of a 5-year rebuild is just an excuse for teams with terrible management to keep their jobs under the pretense of "Oh we're in a rebuild!".

3-year rebuilds seem a lot more feasible.

PlayfulGenius · 10-12-2013, 10:02 AM

I don't feel any of those options... For me, it doesn't mean anything yet...but I don't necessarily believe they'll plummet to the bottom of the standings.

Bad teams have 5 game hot streaks... Even the Panthers likely will at some point this season...it seems more promising having it at the beginning of the season but I don't think it is...we'll see where this goes.

GreenLantern2814 · 10-12-2013, 10:05 AM

Re-evaluate after 20 games. Then re-evaluate at the Olympic break. That would be the time when I would think we can tell if they're truly having a good season.

Over 82 games, I still don't think we have the horses yet to be a playoff threat, especially in our division. But that's not the end of the world.

Erick Estrada · 10-12-2013, 10:05 AM

Means nothing. We have seen the Oilers come out even better early in a season and by mid season failing for Nail. The team is playing well and are fun to watch so hopefully this can continue for the season but I think it's way too early to raise any expectations here. It's good to see this group playing like a team again as it's been a long time since we could feel comfortable saying that everyone in the locker room is on the same page as the coaches. Anything is possible but I feel more comfortable discussing this topic in 2014.

The Swedish Flame · 10-12-2013, 10:05 AM

What about the option "I don't care. I'm living in the moment."

That's what I'd vote for.

Joborule · 10-12-2013, 10:07 AM

The hot start to me means that this team isn't that far removed from making the playoffs again in the near future as originally thought. Not enough to say if they'll make the playoffs this year, but if they keep up this compete effort throughout the season, keep progressing, and the prospects in the system start making the team, the club might make the playoffs again in a couple years.

If they do +.500 this road trip though, maybe playoffs this year won't be that far fetched since they would have to take down some tough quality teams consecutively on the raod.

Jiggy_12 · 10-12-2013, 10:14 AM

The only thing that matters to me right now is the effort.

The wins are a nice bonus, but I'll take the effort and entertainment considering what the expectations were coming in to the year. I don't expect them to make playoffs....playing at an even +/- goal differential is a dangerous line and shows we have been fortunate to not have a regulation loss yet. However, I am blown away by this team so far....They will finish much higher than dead last and may even sneak in to the playoffs.

Have not seen hard work like this since 2004...not even close

CaptainCrunch · 10-12-2013, 10:14 AM

After 13 games without a loss

Errr whoops

ricoFlame · 10-12-2013, 10:16 AM

Not going to win too many more with Joey Mac's massive rebounds deflecting into the slot. Got a few wins out of him, now make him a backup like he should be.

mrdonkey · 10-12-2013, 10:18 AM

I don't want to say the hot start means nothing, because the way that they're playing has convinced me they will not languish in the basement with the Edmontons and Buffalos of the league - those are some truly miserable clubs, no matter how many great young prospects they may have. But I do think they will come back down to earth a bit after this southern road trip, and I do think they are playing somewhat over their heads at the moment due to Baertschi and Monahan riding an unsustainable hot streak. I also don't think they have really been tested that hard, and teams like SJ, LA, and Chicago will really show us what the Flames are made of.

I have to give credit where it's due: Feaster, Burke, and Hartley are not going to sit back and let this team suck. Hopefully this season serves as a reminder that the Oilers method is not the only way to rebuild a team. In fact, it may not even be a good one.

Lanny_McDonald · 10-12-2013, 10:21 AM

This is a fun team to watch, but they don't have the talent to keep up this pace. The other teams in the league will get their stuff together and the Flames will begin to fall back to the bottom of the standings where they were projected. MacDonald isn't a starter. He isn't even a good backup. The team has two pair of defensemen worth a spit and a bottom pair that give the fans heart attacks. The forwards are working their asses off, but what do you think is going to happen when you insert Stajan and Cammalleri into the lineup? Two less guys that will be willing to give it their all and less effort all around. Effort is contagious and when you have a couple of your guys not willing to go hard every shift that attitude filters through the rest of the team. I love the team that is being iced right now, but it just isn't going to last.

Vinny01 · 10-12-2013, 10:25 AM

I voted they are better than I thought but at the end of the day I think they will stil finish towards the bottom. In my opinion the only way they keep it up is getting 2009 Cammy when he returns from injury.

It has been a great ride so far I hope they keep it up but won't be mad if they can't

JobHopper · 10-12-2013, 10:28 AM

I think it's very important to get off to a great start. Considering 1 or 2 points at the end of the season makes the difference on wether or not a team makes the playoffs. With this being a young team it's good for their confidence knowing they can win. The only concerning thing I have right now is the goals against.

Huntingwhale · 10-12-2013, 10:29 AM

I remember when the Flames started '02-'03 something like 16-2. I think once you hit 3/4 of the season and the team is in a good spot, then you can call it a great season. But way to early now to even begin calling it that.

But I am living in the moment. No way in hell we keep it up all season long, but I'm sure as hell going to enjoy it.

Flashpoint · 10-12-2013, 10:32 AM

We've mostly been playing the backups.

Nobody has been checking Monahan.

None of the teams thus far have been taking the Flames seriously in the first period.

Sooner or later we're going to stop catching teams thinking they are in for an easy two points. This California trip ought to be very interesting.

Regardless, it's the most fun I've had watching the Flames in about 5 years. Love the enthusiasm and effort.