They are going to need a short-term, 3-4 years, solution in net. That's not going to be easy. I still think Gillies is the guy long-term but you can't wait for him. You still need to compete.
Losing Hudler is going to be a bigger loss than people might think. Had a less than stellar season, but I don't see anyone in the org filling his role any time soon. Next year could be worse than this year.
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Smid has been absolutely terrible lately. Every shift he's hemmed into the zone for so long that the other teams top lines are able to get on the ice and score goals. He also can't hold the puck into the offensive zone to save his life.
The last two games have made it quite clear that we will be bottom 3 this season. Hope we can get something decent for Hudler and Russell.
I think the failure to make moves to address goaltending have put the spotlight squarely on Treliving.
Hartley can't do much with that goaltending - he gets a pass.
Top 3 blueliners are producing - can't blame them
Top line is producing
Bennett is producing.
So it's up to the GM to show he's in tune with the team's needs. He's put this together, it isn't leading to wins, so it's on him to adjust. We'll see how he handles the pressure between now and the deadline.
Personally, I think he'll be great but it remains to be seen what he will do and when.
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"OOOOOOHHHHHHH those Russians" - Boney M
They are going to need a short-term, 3-4 years, solution in net. That's not going to be easy. I still think Gillies is the guy long-term but you can't wait for him. You still need to compete.
IMO they shouldn't assume Gillies is going to be anything as the next time a Flames drafted goaltender becomes anything decent in the NHL will be the first time in a very long time. They need solutions added to the roster this offseason. Easier said than done but it is what it is.
IMO they shouldn't assume Gillies is going to be anything as the next time a Flames drafted goaltender becomes anything decent in the NHL will be the first time in a very long time. They need solutions added to the roster this offseason.
Fully agree. They should be exploring every option to find a new guy. Reminds me too much of the period in between Vernon and Kipper where they just cycled through an endless parade of below average tenders.
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Losing Hudler is going to be a bigger loss than people might think. Had a less than stellar season, but I don't see anyone in the org filling his role any time soon. Next year could be worse than this year.
Losing Hudler will feel the same as this entire year has felt. One of the reasons we aren't playing as well this year is the fact that Hudler hasn't been the player he was. To your point, the Flames need to find someone to fill that role, as we still don't have a enough top 6 players on our roster. Problem is, we can't fill that role with Hudler unless he's willing to take about a 50% hair cut on what he'd get in the open market, or unless the Flames are willing to walk away from one of Monahan and Gaudreau.
It sure would be nice to get rid of Smid as he was pretty bad today although it's hard to single out just one defensemen when the entire group is so soft. They just let the ducks walk in and shoot from the slot on a few of those goals or left guys like Perry all alone in front of the goaltender.
To be fair, until Wideman was suspended, at best Smid was playing every other game -- I don't think he was ever intended to be a full regular. Playing every game is clearly wearing him out.
The D are pretty good at offensive support - when they can actually complete a pass or two - but they have little physical ability to interdict a puck carrier. The Ducks just lean on them and they're past. Gio has not been good this year, bar rare moments, Hamilton is OK but makes glaring mistakes in his own zone. Russell is terrific at blocking shots, but is then often out of position. His shot-blocking prowess was noticeably missing today. Suspect a couple of those perimeter goals might have been stopped by him.
Garry Galley as colour commentator is really annoying. We don't need to hear you every 2 seconds, especially when the play is actually going on and the play-by-play guy can't get a word in to describe the play.
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Losing Hudler is going to be a bigger loss than people might think. Had a less than stellar season, but I don't see anyone in the org filling his role any time soon. Next year could be worse than this year.
Hudler has been playing absolutely terrible up until the trade rumors surfaced. He's held back the top line for most of the season. It's a miracle that Gaudreau and Monahan have been scoring so much with Hudler on their line this season.
We'll miss Hudler like we missed Glencross. Not one bit.
Fully agree. They should be exploring every option to find a new guy. Reminds me too much of the period in between Vernon and Kipper where they just cycled through an endless parade of below average tenders.
Yeah it's a bad place to be when you can't find a legit starting caliber goaltender. I don't know if a guy like James Reimer will be the solution but he's the type of guy they will likely be looking at.
I like hudler but isnt part of the solution. We need to add both size and skill. If we could somehow sign lucic this offseason that would be unreal. I just don't see a way that happens though
Yeah it's a bad place to be when you can't find a legit starting caliber goaltender. I don't know if a guy like James Reimer will be the solution but he's the type of guy they will likely be looking at.
Any player from the Leafs will 100% guaranteed not be a part of any solution for the Flames.
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Personally I would look to re-sign Hudler, because I doubt you'll fetch equivalent or better value in a trade and he does still have good chemistry on line 1. That's something that might not come in return either.
His poor play was likely due to injury issues, and he still generates offensive chances and points. If you can get him for a decent price I think you take the chance with keeping him.
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