Simply put there isn’t enough skill in the lineup. No game breakers or players that can put the team on their back when we need it. I’m a fan of Huberdeau but I just don’t see much from him. Not sure how he got over 100 points last year. There is no creativity to his game and he looks lost at times. He should be elevating his line mates with his passing ability but I haven’t seen any of that.
I’m sure Sutter’s approach to defence first constrains him a bit but it is possible to succeed in that environment as Gaudreau and Tkachuk put up the points. Hope he figures it out soon but his contract and level of play is very concerning.
Markstrom is the most concerning player right now in my opinion. He seems broken yet we continue to reward him with starts. That needs to stop. He’s been given opportunities to figure it out and there hasn’t been much if any improvement. Time to ride Vlad. The loyalty to Markstrom is a big problem.
Simply put there isn’t enough skill in the lineup. No game breakers or players that can put the team on their back when we need it. I’m a fan of Huberdeau but I just don’t see much from him. Not sure how he got over 100 points last year. There is no creativity to his game and he looks lost at times. He should be elevating his line mates with his passing ability but I haven’t seen any of that.
A lot of Huberdeaus linemates in this package seem to know what he's thinking and get into the spots where they know where he'll find them.
Most of the time with the Flames line mates he's given, they continue to do what they would normally do and hope he'll find them. I think this comes down to lack of chemistry which is why I suggest that whoever plays with Huberdeau is given an extended look in practice and games and even off the ice.
There is no question the talent is there. 4 consecutive seasons over a PPG is NOT a fluke. It is a lack of chemistry / understanding with linemates.
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Flames had 10 high danger changes for vs the Capitals 7, expected goals was 2.45 for the Flames, 1.83 for the Capitals. Poor finish and bad goaltending .
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Man, I can't wait for the softer strength of schedule. We can't post a good record against good teams, hopefully we can at least beat bad teams, that'll be our ticket!
oh ya and they would've won today too with their 0 goals .. oh wait
but yes obviously a stinker of a game and one they are best served putting behind them quickly
I never said they would win every game...they never have
.920 goaltending like last year would have 4 or 5 more wins right now despite all other issues...add 8-10 more points and I think the tone is a little different.
Man, I can't wait for the softer strength of schedule. We can't post a good record against good teams, hopefully we can at least beat bad teams, that'll be our ticket!
They are .500 with the hardest strength of schedule in the league...those are the facts. Nobody is saying they will win every game but I would think they will be more than .500 with the easiest strength of schedule from December on.
No guarantees but it seems likely...every sportsbook feels the same way if you look at the Flames playoff odds.
Man, I can't wait for the softer strength of schedule. We can't post a good record against good teams, hopefully we can at least beat bad teams, that'll be our ticket!
Caps were 8-10 on the season and second last in their division
If I had to lay down a bet now, this team is not making the playoffs.
i think it will be close . depending on the division could be barely in or barely out
bleeding points with these poor line combos and excessive markstrom starts while he's playing badly isn't helping their cause
i don't even know what goes on between the ears of treliving or sutter these days but it can't be rational thought . you could swear they were being blackmailed into trying to sink the season
i don't even know what goes on between the ears of treliving or sutter these days but it can't be rational thought . you could swear they were being blackmailed into trying to sink the season
Sunk cost fallacy. Markstrom is THEIR guy, they've invested a lot into him and this was supposed to be a cup contending team. Surely if they just keep playing him he'll find his game and things will work out, just like in the playoffs against Edmonton
Other teams might have the balls to give their backup the ball for more than a single game, hell that's how a lot of the next great goaltenders are "discovered". But the Flames are way too cautious and passive for that
Our top scorer (Linholm) is 95th in the league and is -4
Our next top scorer (Kadri) is 119th in the league and is -6
Our top goalie (Vladar) is 33rd in the league with a save percentage of .907
Our number 1 goalie - who is almost always used has a save percentage of .889 which is good enough for 61st in the league
Who is to blame?
Everybody.
It is a miracle we’re sitting in a play-off spot at this stage.
.
