[PGT] Booo, we suck - EDM 5 CGY 3

[Strange Brew]

The Flames have about $44 million tied up in 8 skaters. (Gaudreau, Monahan, Brower, Frolik, Gio, Hamilton, Wideman, Brodie). Seven of these were acquired by previous regime. All but one is playing on a LT contract negotiated by BT. Wideman obviously will be gone by EOY at latest.

So there's your core. It's BT's core now. These are BT's goalies. BT's coach.

I believe its true in any sport that you win or lose based on performance of your best players. These are the guys that need to carry the team to improvement this year.

The "rebuild" phase is over. The team is definitely still building but the core has been identified and locked up long term.

This team needs to show steady improvement or everyone's job is on the line. And the next GM will be talking about how he is handcuffed by bad contracts to unmoveable players.

Two games do not a season make but this year is pivotal.

[ReinhartonD]

Originally Posted by JerryUnderscore

One of the major issues right now is the fact that the first line basically had no training camp. Monahan had one game, Johnny one practice on Tuesday and Versteeg... a morning skate? They need time to gel.

Furthermore, the team as a whole is still working to learn the system. Hopefully that will come.

Looking on the bright side, what actually had a positive possession game in both games. 24 shots in the first period tonight was unreal.

I'd be okay seeing Kulak sub in for Wideman tomorrow.

Gio-Brodie
Hamilton-Jokipakka
Kulak-Engelland

This post nailed it. The Coilers had a full training camp and preseason to develop their top line's chemistry while Gaudreau had none at all. As much as I'd never want to commit to the money and years they gave Lucic, someone who creates space and still has offensive finish would look good on Gaudreau's line.

Also, looks like McDiddly has already graduated from the Wayne Gretzky school of entitlement when it comes to referees.

[red sky]

I cannot tell if the Oilers will be materially better this year or if the Flames play was just that bad. I will say, McNuggets is damn good though however he will injure himself again. Loved the diving penalty last night.

[Huntingwhale]

[Karl]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

I am hoping that is the last game we ever see from Dennis Wideman again.

Send him to Stockton.

I would seriously rather see any of Wotherspoon/Kulak/Culkin/Andersson/Kylington out there instead because at least they have foot speed and some presence of mind not to turn pucks over at the offensive blue line for multiple breakaways.

That's at least 2 points he's cost us in the standings, maybe 3 or 4 as that McDavid Penalty shot killed the Flames attempt at a comeback.

Wideman...if only he didn't have that stupid goddamn NMC.

[N-E-B]

I hate Connor McDavid. That is all.

[kevman]

So when the Flames made the playoffs on the back of a high shooting percentage and good goal tending despite poor possession numbers it was a fluke. Now the Flames are, according to the same stats referenced, winning the possession game and carrying the play and the season is a write off?

I must admit my focus was mostly on the Jays game last night but from what I did see I didn't see a team that was terribly outmatched. Just a team that made some (ok, a lot of) mistakes. I guess I'm being glass half full but mistakes can be fixed. I'd be more worried if it felt like the Oilers steam rolled the Flames and it was men vs. boys.

[Hey Connor, It's Mess]

Maybe it's a good thing we only play divisional opponents 4 times a year now lol. I hate to say it, but it's been a while since I've seen a player take over a game like that. McDavid will get hurt again this year though and the Oilers are laughably bad when he's not on the ice.

[IgiTang]

Russel played pretty well. I'm not advocating we should have brought him back... I'm just saying that he has helped the Oilers and not hurt them.

[shogged]

wish russell was on our side last night

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Mike Keenan was legitimately the worst coach in franchise history.

You lose a couple to the Oilers, and everyone gets so serious.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

I hate Connor McDavid. That is all.

He'll probably trip over himself at some point and miss a chunk of season, subsequently screwing the Oilers.

Going that fast has to have its consequences at some point.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

Like Giordano said, they played well in the 1st and then started to chase after that. This is fixable. Hopefully tonight.

They played well offensively. Even in the first, the defence was hideously awful.

[Chonger]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

This was the best part of last night's game.

For me it shows a broken image. Might as well be my heart.