We'll be fine

[zukes]

Well, the Flames have lost five in a row, the media all called it with all of their stupid "advanced" stats. Let's look back.

- They were by far the better team last Saturday and lost 3-2.

- They played an even game with the Leafs and 2 empty netters made it 4-1.

- They dominated the Sabres but had no luck (43/18 shots) and lost 4-3.

- Bad 5 minutes and 2-0 penguins leads to a 3-1 loss (empty netter), where you can argue they were the better team the rest of the way.

- They held their own in Chicago tonight, not the better team but one teams can win, lost 2-1.

Screw the media, I still believe! Go Flames Go! This team is too hungry, too well coached and has minimal passengers for it to not at least compete for a playoff spot, if not make it. I don't believe in tanking, so go for the playoffs, this is a team that can do it!

I've learned more in these losses than what I learned before this started. Tough stretch. That is all.

[Erick Estrada]

Not sure what games you have been watching but I think the last time you could argue that the Flames were maybe the better team was the Sharks loss a week ago. IMO they were never really close to winning the Leafs, Sabres (worst game by far played), Penguins games. It was just a matter of time until the Hawks won this game in the 3rd period as the Flames were playing scared to lose in the 3rd period. Scoring from the blueline has dried up and there aren't enough game breaking forwards to pick up the slack. I think the team will be fine in that they won't be involved in the McDavid sweepstakes but if they don't snap out of this streak soon their playoff chances are going to take a massive hit.

[nik-]

I guess it depends what you refer to as fine. Fine as in long term, for sure. Fine as in playoffs? I would say no. We were punching way above our weight class and were still only in 5th place in the West. We're 9th now and the two teams at 7th and 8th have a game in hand. You just can't afford a 5 game losing streak in the West. Especially when all 5 of those games are pointless. Plus our schedule for the next little while is murder.

Those two things combined make me think the playoff hope is gone, realistically, but not mathematically obviously. I just hope that this team responds to the possible disappointment of letting it slip away by going out and battling every night until the end of the season. That's more important for the long term than shockingly making the playoffs imo.

[Hemi-Cuda]

I think this streak killed any shot they had at the playoffs. The west is just too competitive and I can't see the Flames making up any ground later in the season when the real fight for a wildcard spot kicks in. It was a fun ride but I think they'll end up settling in for a 10th or 11th place finish in the conference

[Wastedyouth]

Screw you stats and your ability to predict problems!

*sticks head in the sand*

[zukes]

I was at the Buffalo game and all you need to know is every Sabre fan was astonished how the Flames didn't score 7. Yes, Buffalo capitalized on easy chances that the Flames gave up, but that should have been 8-4. I agree with the play tonight, but teams always do that when playing a great team on the road. That is the recipe yo beat the Hawks, it's not gonna be pretty unless they are off their game

[ForeverFlameFan]

We've been known as a 2nd half team, so I am not giving up yet. If we are 5 games over .500 at the end of December, I still like our chances. Things can change quickly, we can plummet in the standings, but we can certainly come back up.

[zukes]

Okay, everyone jump off now! I'll hold fort.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by zukes

Okay, everyone jump off now! I'll hold fort.

Oh, is that what this thread is?

[dino7c]

if they play .500 they will have 86 points, obviously not enough they need to be a few more games better. Not saying it is likely but I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet, lots of home games.

As for the talk that they were "only 5th even after their amazing run" well there are 9 teams within a couple points of each other and they will all be playing each other. Honestly how good are the Canucks? They have 8 points from beating the Oilers. Big game next Saturday lets enjoy it, even being in the race this year is a bonus

[Buster]

do you mean visually?

[Vulcan]

Could it be a little of everyone telling them that they are just lucky and their confidence is finally taking a hit? I see them panicking a little more than they once did.

[eldaczar]

I rather have a loosing streak like this now then in February or March, we know that when the team plays its best they can compete with anyone. Lets stay optimistic.

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

I think this streak killed any shot they had at the playoffs. The west is just too competitive and I can't see the Flames making up any ground later in the season when the real fight for a wildcard spot kicks in. It was a fun ride but I think they'll end up settling in for a 10th or 11th place finish in the conference

Yeah. In a three-way tie for the two wild card spots. Time to declare the playoffs out of reach. Come on man, they've played good enough to win a few of these last five games but haven't been able to catch a break. It's gonna turn around again and we're gonna see a whole bunch of wins still. This team is resillient and good enough to be on the bubble this year.

Might be that the Kings will run away with a playoff spot, even if they too lose a lot right now, but there will likely be a fight between the Flames, Canucks, Sharks, Wild and Jets for three playoff spots. The Preds might fall of a bit and the Stars might take a few strides upwards. Doesn't look out of reach at all considering we're hanging around until the bitter end in just about every single game this year, whatever team we're playing. It's gonna be exciting and I'm happy we're in this kind of conversation at this point in the season.

[Dion]

You can look at the season so far as the glass as being half full or half empty.

Considering it's year 2 of the rebuild i've seen alot of positives that have me hopefull for the future. Prospects filling in well for injured vets with some earning a spot on this team. Then there's the work ethic of this team and how they always fight to the end.

Giordano has changed the culture of the dressing room with his play and leadership. Gone is that losing attitude and defeatist attitude we had under the Brent Sutter coaching era.

Gaudreau and Jooris have been the 2 biggest rookie surprises of the season this far, exceeding the expectations of the fans and coaching staff.

Hiller and Ramo have provided us with solid goaltending for the most part and have been a major part of why we are 5 games above 500 and in a playoff spot.

Hartley has proven he can adapt his coaching style and has become a great teacher and motivator for this team.

Win or lose i'm enjoying each and every game and the not quit attitude we see from the players.

And for those ready to jump off the band wagon.....

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Could it be a little of everyone telling them that they are just lucky and their confidence is finally taking a hit? I see them panicking a little more than they once did.

I see a top 4 pairing that is showing signs of wear and making mistakes because if it. It's no coincidence that Hartley is asking for better efforts from the 5th and 6th d men.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Not sure what games you have been watching but I think the last time you could argue that the Flames were maybe the better team was the Sharks loss a week ago.

This post is dumbfounding. They dominated the Sabres. They were better than the Leafs in 2/3 periods and had a fantastic push but couldn't bury. You could argue that maybe they were the better team against the Pens also.

If anything the Sharks game was the one game where you couldn't argue that the Flames were better.

Not sure if straight up trolling or didn't watch the games and trolling.

[dino7c]

Anyone who doesn't think the Flames dominated the Sabres needs to find a new sport to watch

[dino7c]

8 of their next 10 on home ice

[N-E-B]

The forwards have to start putting the puck in the net. The only game I don't blame them for is Buffalo, that was a defensive disaster despite completely dominating the game. We can only rely on Gio and Brodie to carry the offence for so long.

Guys like Raymond, Glencross, Byron have to start producing. They're playing well, but they're not finishing.

I agree we'll be fine. As far as 5 game losing streaks go, it could be a lot worse.