I'm also optomistic, and although we are much better off on the back end than Colorado, they are an example of how things "looking bright" isn't always enough
I am only looking at the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks as a comparable team, and we have most of the pieces in place for a real cup run this year. The Flames would need only a 2nd line RW and we're off to the races. That doesn't mean it'll be easy, but it isn't an unlikely thought.
We have many of them, but that team added Marian Hossa the year after - and can Monahan/Bennett/Backlund evenly play Getzlaf/Kesler/Cogliano in a series?
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"May those who accept their fate find happiness. May those who defy it find glory."
I am only looking at the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks as a comparable team, and we have most of the pieces in place for a real cup run this year. The Flames would need only a 2nd line RW and we're off to the races. That doesn't mean it'll be easy, but it isn't an unlikely thought.
Caaaaaaaalm down, everyone.
The defense looks great on paper. The offense looks fine - but it's reasonable to expect a bit of regression from several of those guys next year.
But this is all on paper. Who even knows. Remember last year when everyone thought Dallas had a real shot to make a run, after their perceived-to-be outstanding offseason moves?
Wait and see, assess what's there in December, not July.
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On the contender issue: I think that's premature. Promising pieces are certainly in place, but the Flames need to show they can play dominant hockey for long periods of time, and that includes the regular season. Usually the teams that play well in the regular season are well poised to continue that success in the playoffs. I think we saw signs of that with the Flames this year.
Once the team starts showing division leading type hockey and are generally considered a shoe in for home ice advantage, then we can say they are reaching contender status.
I've always hated the make the playoffs and pray for a run mentality. I hope the team learns to play well all the time.
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A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
flameswin to CP yesterday; Prepare yourselves for a $7mil/yr contract
CP to flameswin today; Prepare yourself for Brad Treliving
Yup, same. Was fully expecting 7m+ on any long term deal, shocked at how low it is. Clearly he just wanted out of Boston, or vice versa for whatever reason.
Just want to point out how this is a direct result of our organization explicitly deciding not to tank. Feels good to finally be an organization that players want to be a part of.
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Always Earned, Never Given
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I don't mind the contract. Pretty average for a good defenseman. I guess we will see all these longer than 3 years contract now since teams do not want to lose their good players through UFA. Love that we have 5 Ds who can play a lot of minutes. Our #6 guy Engelland actually got better when he started getting more minutes too.
This really shows how trading for RFAs is a better option than offer sheeting them. We got our man and were able to work out a reasonable contract instead of the bloated monstrosity that we would've had to offer Hamilton to beat the competition and to keep the Bruins from matching.
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