[News] Bourne: The Flames have one of the clearest paths to the Stanley Cup in the NHL

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by neo45

I think the Ducks are trending for a playoff miss here. They have lost 8 in a row, no?

Yes, but it is proving very difficult to outsuck all the sucky teams behind them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It's only going to take a single prolonged slump by the Flames for the Knights and Sharks to pass them in the standings. As good as the Flames have played the Sharks and Knight have been even hotter of late.

Why is the Flames are the only team among the 3 to go on a prolong slump?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

Why is the Flames are the only team among the 3 to go on a prolong slump?

Welcome to CP.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Welcome to CP.

Thanks


I'm going to make a different take here...


It's only going to take a single prolonged slump by the Knights and Sharks for the Flames to leaves them in the dust. As good as the Knights and Sharks have played the Flames have been really good as of late.

[Textcritic]

Justin Bourne will appear on SN960 @ around 17:40 to discuss his article.

[Gaudfather]

Renaud Lavoie doesn't believe in the Flames due to goaltending - says one of Vegas, Winnipeg or Nashville will win the Western Conference.


https://www.sportsnet.ca/

[rotten42]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It's only going to take a single prolonged slump by the Flames for the Knights and Sharks to pass them in the standings. As good as the Flames have played the Sharks and Knight have been even hotter of late.

Thanks Eric. (Francis)

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by Gaudfather

Renaud Lavoie doesn't believe in the Flames due to goaltending - says one of Vegas, Winnipeg or Nashville will win the Western Conference.


https://www.sportsnet.ca/

Good, I hope people continue to underestimate this team.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Gaudfather

Renaud Lavoie doesn't believe in the Flames due to goaltending - says one of Vegas, Winnipeg or Nashville will win the Western Conference.


https://www.sportsnet.ca/

Connor Hellebuyck is sporting an underwhelming 0.909 SP, MA Fleury is on track to play 70 games, and Pekka Rinne is 36-years-old. If success hinges on goaltending I am less than confident that any one of those goalies can carry a team to the SCF.

[EldrickOnIce]

^ true enough, but Lavoie is really only echoing what 'concensus' is here... that goaltending is the big question mark for the Flames. I feel like we've known that since before the season started.
Which is not the same as saying Rittich can't get it done. As the season goes, and his strong play continues, it becomes less likely he will falter.
We shall see

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Connor Hellebuyck is sporting an underwhelming 0.909 SP, MA Fleury is on track to play 70 games, and Pekka Rinne is 36-years-old. If success hinges on goaltending I am less than confident that any one of those goalies can carry a team to the SCF.

TBF, those goalies all have a longer track record than Rittich, who for sure is outplaying all of them (well, Fleury has been great lately).

I have confidence in Rittich, but its a legit concern I guess.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

TBF, those goalies all have a longer track record than Rittich, who for sure is outplaying all of them (well, Fleury has been great lately).

I have confidence in Rittich, but its a legit concern I guess.

For sure. I just dislike the value some of the talking heads set on "pedigree." Lavoie's bullishness is misplaced given that all four of these WC teams—including the Flames—have questions about goaltending heading into the playoffs.

Can Rinne overcome his age?
Can Fleury survive the fatigue?
Can Hellebuyck rebound?

[howard_the_duck]

Amazing season so far. I'm not sure the goaltending piece is a chief concern of mine, although little warts in BSD's game have started to surface, now will be interesting to see how he responds. In a playoff series you can be sure teams will look to exploit the high short side until he proves he can stop it.

If I'm BT my focus is still depth up front, namely some depth with size. The top line is still so heavily relied on for this team's scoring, more depth is needed for the inevitable games they get shut down for us to be able to run with Nashville and Winnipeg, IMO.

[BigBrodieFan]

I am just irritated because it's asking me to pay to read the article.