[PGT] Why Can't We Beat Sens

[Tsawwassen]

Post game links
http://sportsstats.cbc.ca/hockey/nhl...cap140225.html
https://scores.nbcsports.com/nhl/rec...=14&final=true
https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/games/2367279
https://www.espn.com/nhl/game/_/gameId/401349792

[talladega.25]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

1st line doesn’t play at 100 percent and flames have no chance . Has another line actually won us a game this year? I’m not talking about another line getting a couple of goals while the first line plays lights out . I’m talking about a game where 1st line doesn’t show and another line takes over and gets the flames a win .

Very valid. When we have Pitlick and Ritchie consistently in our top 9, good luck. Heck even Backlund is horrendous this year. Dube is pretty ineffective too.

Flames are 11-10-4 since loosing out on Eichel. This team was literally playing for a move and then have come back to typical Flames over the course of 2 months.

Our forward depth and D depth is getting really exposed. Sorry but Andersson aint a top pairing D on any top 16 playoff team..

I don't want to talk about the 3rd pair. They have been derailed for a while now and still get regular minutes

[Vinny01]

2-7-1 in their last 10 they are pissing away their great start just like the Oilers

[talladega.25]

Originally Posted by dino7c

This is a bit dramatic...they are still #2 in points percentage. Sure its closer but they still in the drivers seat...play even with just a couple of the teams in the race and you are in. If they all pass you well, you don't deserve playoffs

Still 8 points back of 1st with 5 in hand...bottom line, win some games

They have been playing sub .500 hockey for 2 months now. The trend aint looking good. Then fell off a cliff last night to a brutal hockey team who just came out of their second training camp when we were matching up against the big boys of the league last week.

If they do make the playoffs, its probably a wild card spot and do we all really want a Vegas or Colorado series in round 1? like who are the Flames trying to kid lol their 2nd and 3rd line has 4 too many players playing above their skill set in today's NHL.

[Erick Estrada]

The COVID derailed schedule is the worst thing that could have ever happened to the Flames who are notoriously slow to start seasons and coming off long breaks. Darryl Sutter hockey is not the type of hockey that you can turn on/off like a switch. What's happened over the last month is perfect conditions for a death spiral. Fortunately the last few months of the schedule are conducive to them getting back on track. In the interim they just have to limit the slide and get to at least .500 hockey until the schedule gets heavy.

[Poe969]

It doesn't matter if they're losing or not, they're a tight knit group that enjoys going to work! If they added a skilled player who had a bad attitude, it would screw up this fun loving group's dynamics.

Trying to build a team of friends doesn't work out, and trying to build a team full of "200 ft players" doesn't work either. This team needs skill, someone who plays some defense but just flat out puts up points.

This team started out hot but when they played against good teams, they just don't measure up. As soon as they start to lose, they crumble. Now a ton of excuses can come out: COVID isn't an excuse though, everyone is dealing with it, off too long isn't a good excuse either, ran into a hot goalie is just part of the game because your goalie should have the same type of games to steal games for you too.

This team isn't built properly and it sucks that Trelivign doubled down too many times with this core. There's no use saying they should make changes because they're too afraid to. The team has fallen in love their players and the players have become too complacent. Whether it's management or ownership, their too affraid to hurt feelings and make actual change. The fans seem to have lost a lot of interest in the team as well, and I mean before the pandemic. There just seems to be a lack of excitement with this team and I think it's because people know what to expect from this team.

[LFB_Flames]

Ritchie, Lewis, Pitlick, oh and Muffinohan, not playing like NHL players.

[blender]

Originally Posted by Fan in Exile

What I don't like about this comment is that it sounds like he's decided to go with this roster and these combinations regardless of results. Maybe they turn it around and reward his faith but it doesn't feel very likely right now and this is how we missed the playoffs last season.

This is just Sutter.
His message is always consistent and he's correct: they need to play better. It is about execution. Sure, us fans want a better roster and we aren't shy about saying it, but if that is the message from the coach the team is doomed.

Sutter wants the team to know that it is up to them. If outside help is coming that would be great, but you don't want your team waiting for it. It's an excuse, and Sutter doesn't stand for excuses.

Look at the Oilers. Their captain is being asked about a player who isn't even on the roster potentially joining the team! As if that would ever be allowed to happen in Calgary.

Sure the Flames are scuffling, and yes, there are numerous holes in the roster, but thankfully their coach has his priorities in the right place. When CP is satisfied with Sutter's public assessment of the team is when the team is in trouble.

[Poe969]

Not sure I agree with Sutter's approach anymore. The whole "they have to be better" take doesn't really work because the team isn't good enough and it's easy to see. You don't look at the Flames roster and say "wow, that's a contender". If they could all just "be better" they would all be great players, but they're not. I could maybe agree with "they have to try harder" or something but it's a cop out to just say they have to be better. This is the team he has and he has to find a way to make it work. When he was with the Kings, they were ok but they got a lot of help through good trades and signings. He just doesnt' seem to be able to adapt when things start going poorly.

[tvp2003]

I trust Sutter. I don’t trust what he tells the media, it’s just part of controlling the message around his team.

It doesn’t mean guaranteed success but I’ve seen enough bad coaches around these parts to know it’s not Darryl who needs to change.

[Rick M.]

I blame gravity for dragging the Flames down.

[robertsfanatic]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

Gaudreau's splits in wins vs losses:

Wins: 17gms, 12g, 15a, 27p +25
Losses: 10gms, 3g, 4a, 7p, -7

i agree with your whole post but this just drove home how good Johnny has been this year.

[Coach]

I was at the game. Felt like 2011 against PHX vibes. Just a dog of a game. And no concessions or even like vending machines? Awful. Left after the 2nd to catch the 3rd at a pub.

Would have stayed if the product on the ice was even mildly entertaining. Sorry to those around me who had to listen to me and my friend discuss love and relationships. Hopefully you found that at least more engaging than whatever was taking place below. We certainly did. What a waste of time.

[PeteMoss]

Need to get some saves.

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Need to get some saves.

Need to score some goals too. Especially against the Ottawa Senators and an 0-6 Matt Murray. It's not like they pulled an Oilers and scored 4+ goals but still lost.

[blender]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Not sure I agree with Sutter's approach anymore. The whole "they have to be better" take doesn't really work because the team isn't good enough and it's easy to see. You don't look at the Flames roster and say "wow, that's a contender". If they could all just "be better" they would all be great players, but they're not. I could maybe agree with "they have to try harder" or something but it's a cop out to just say they have to be better. This is the team he has and he has to find a way to make it work. When he was with the Kings, they were ok but they got a lot of help through good trades and signings. He just doesnt' seem to be able to adapt when things start going poorly.

I think its important to remember the difference between a season-to-season view and the in-the-midst-of-a-season view. So much of the discussion here is focused on the big picture which is fine, but for the team the focus has to be on the here and now.

I'm sure if you were able to get a candid, off the record assessment from Sutter, it would include his view of the roster deficiencies, but there is no reason to expect that from him now in the middle of the season.

Remember, too that when the Flames were winning early, his message was the exact same. They have a lot of work to do to get it right.

[Saqe]

I'm still dumbfounded by Monahan and how the wheels have completely come off. He literally looks like a fourth line plug at this point. Mix the names on the jerseys and I wouldn't know who is who in the bottom six.

[sec304]

Well that sucked in every way possible. We really could have used one of those grade A chances in the first half of the 1st period to go in, that Ritchie one was inexcusable to not score, he could have shot it anywhere but the pillow and it was in. Our depth scoring is pathetic. Ottawa scores on a breakaway by fanning on the shot. JFC. We suck. Got outgoalied by the worst starting goalie in the league at his lowest confidence level

[Infinit47]

Originally Posted by sec304

Well that sucked in every way possible. We really could have used one of those grade A chances in the first half of the 1st period to go in, that Ritchie one was inexcusable to not score, he could have shot it anywhere but the pillow and it was in. Our depth scoring is pathetic. Ottawa scores on a breakaway by fanning on the shot. JFC. We suck. Got outgoalied by the worst starting goalie in the league at his lowest confidence level

We are getting outgoalied regularly. Markstrom has a .901 save percentage over his last 10 starts.

[bzoo02]

This Covid/Christmas break is acting like the all-star break of old. It absolutely killed all momentum this team had.