The long five day break: Good or Bad for the Flames?

[Parallex]

It's good I'd say. A mere 1 week training camp, a new coaching staff, even less time with new roster members (Hudler/Cervenka), and a winger having to acclimate himself to playing first line center... yeah I'd say that the Flames needed a extra couple of days off early to get all the gears working together more then a very slightly less compressed schedule later on.

[StrykerSteve]

Baertschi was hurt during this "mini training camp", so I'd say it was a bad thing.

[Enoch Root]

All else equal, I would say bad - it would have been better to have it later in the season.

However, considering their very short training camp under a new coach, plus the late additions of Hudler and Cervesa, and Iginla's training camp injury, it could turn out very welcome.

But if they come out flat tonight because of the break, it will have been all for nothing

[edn88]

I think we will see based on the results of their next 5 games. I think having extra time for coaches and players to work on systems has to be a benefit.

Unfortunately a lot of teams have been making hay and putting up points during that time - which puts a lot of pressure to keep up - the Flames have to be looking at the standings, knowing they need three wins over the next three games to keep up. That might be good pressure, it might be bad pressure.

[dino7c]

its bad because it means they have the most compressed sched in the NHL now...fewest games played and don't play on the last day. Also, 2 guys injured at practice

[Komskies]

We have 3 months to fit in 44 games. Unfortunately I think we are going to see lots of injuries (all team in the league will).

On the good side, I'm glad Hartley is utilizing more roster players, even if that means playing Butler.