[PGT] Cardiac Kids Can't Complete Comeback 4-3 SO :(

[Psytic]

Originally Posted by red sky

I think the team's size, or lack thereof, is really starting to show down the stretch. I know they have never really been a puck possession team but it is becoming more evident lately that they are struggling with winning battles in their own end and consequently they are hemmed in their own zone for long stretches. To exacerbate things, they look fatigued, as others have already mentioned, which is slowing down their transition game and resulted in the numerous missed passes and icings last night. The bigger teams seem to excel during the stretch run and playoffs and I think that is part of the issue here.

I really think we just need better possesion players. The first line is really the only line that has much offensive flair. Chicago is ranked 29th heaviest, Canucks 27th, Tampa 21st, Pens 25th, Detroit 16th.

You dont have to be heavy to succeed. Frankly I find Anaheim and LA boring to watch. I'd rather us continue to be a fast transition team than to morph into a boring Sutteresque grinding cycle team. Scoring off the rush is more fun to watch.

Improve possesion, more heavy plugs wont change anything. You cant beat LA and Anaheim at their own game and the guys coming in like Bennet and Poirer lend more to our speed and counter attack game. Thats our strength stick to it. Chicago lite!

[heep223]

Originally Posted by OzSome

I don't believe the Jets can hang on to the last wild card spot. They are playing well without Byfuglien and Myers but for how long?

Unfortunately Buff is back tonight.

[Burke Salad]

Originally Posted by jiginla12

I really thought MayRay was out there flying, he was quite agile on the puck and brought great speed. His linemates, however, looked lost. Colborne tried to spark something there by taking that stupid boarding penalty and I don't know how to feel about Granlund. He shows flashes of brilliance but he needs to be more assertive and confident.

MayRay - Just Stop!

[drewtastic]

Hey--look at that! The sun came out this morning!

I agree with the posters who recognize our need for secondary scoring. It was clear that the Stars had probably 2.5 lines capable of creating quality scoring chances, while we don't have that depth in skill just yet. Last night, Raymond played with renewed energy and creativity. If there's anyone on the team right now who has the skills to provide some secondary scoring up front, it's him. I was happy to see Hartley move him up the lines a bit--we need to take some pressure off 13-23-24. (Put Raymond with Backlund and Bouma, maybe...then let Jooris and Colborne form a bigger 3rd line...)

Ultimately, the frustration on this board seems to stem from the fact that we'd love to see this group rewarded with playoffs. We really like these guys because they've done so well to succeed when most said they simply wouldn't. Each game is a massive battle because there's not enough pure skill to win games more easily, but they're working hard every night. We've got a good framework for a solid team here, and, with the right tinkering, should have a solidly competitive team for many upcoming years.

While it's tough to keep perspective right now, let's also not forget how many recent years we've had just watching the Flames play out the string at this time of year, hoping that any of our auditioning prospects might provide some magical hope for the future.

Enjoy the last eight games knowing that--for the first time in a long time--each game really means something and could even lead to a few 'bonus' games afterward!

GFG!

[Sylvanfan]

Yeah 6 points on that home stand 2-1-2 is a bit disappointing, but over 10 game that would be a 4-2-4 record for 12 points which is playing at a 98-99 point pace for the season.

These guys seem to be just as comfortable on the road as they are at home, if not more. It's good that they hold the ROW tie breaker because they only need to tie the Kings or Jets. So it's not a total catastrophe. I'd rather those were must win games for the Flames than not matter at all because it's all over before that.