After tonight’s victory, the Flames sit in first in the Pacific with 32 points, which is 1 point above the Ducks but with 2 games in hand. They completely dominated the Kings, and the game could’ve easily been another blowout for the Flames.
The only other teams in the West ahead of the Flames are Nashville and Colorado, but Winnipeg is 2 points behind with 2 games in hand. Nonetheless, they sit near the top of the West and with one of the best goal differentials.
The Flames have 4 forwards legitimate 1st line scoring threats, who have been hovering around the top 20 league in scoring.
The Flames have one of the top pairing in the NHL. Mark Giordano is currently 5th in scoring among defenceman and TJ Brodie has the league’s second best plus/minus.
They have great depth at forward and defence. Sam Bennett has finally developed into a very effective player at all facets of the game and looks like a legitimate 2nd line player. Not to mention, he has 5 points in his last 7 games. They have good 2-way players and scoring threats on each line. On defence, they have a rock solid top-4 and incredible youth on the bottom pairing. Finally, all 6 can skate well and breakout of their own zone effectively.
In net, David Rittich is posting some of the league’s best numbers in his 14 games. 14 games isn’t a lot, and many goalies go on 14 game streaks (remember Brian Elliott..?). However, the difference is that Rittich has yet to look bad. This may not be a streak, and may actually be legit #1 goaltending.
So, do you think this Flames team is on a hot streak or do you think this Flames team is a cup contender?
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Far too early imo. We are a good team, arguably very good. However I want to wait and see more out of our Goalies before considering us real contenders.
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Maybe if they can get their powerplay figured out for a two month playoff run. Otherwise even when it's clicking, it still looks bad. Teams like Winnipeg, Washington, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Tampa are far more deadly on the PP in terms of actually being terrifying.
Despite the numbers, I'm not however worried about our PK.
As for five on five, this team will go as the top line goes That line has the soft skill to dominate but can disappear 5 on 5 on any given night as they don't play with much pace.
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Going into the season I would've said that they need one more top end forward but Lindholms emergence along with how dynamic the defense has been with what looks like 3 dmen prospects looking not just like nhlers but good ones (!) It undeniably changes things. Neal emerging might push the team over the top.
If finishing 1st in the division allows them to play a central team then that bodes well for them because the Pacific for whatever reason has been a thorn in our side in the playoffs, Anaheim in particular.
I think the roster can compete with just about any one but needless to say the question mark remains goaltending. The team will continue to live or die by the save percentage they are getting back there.
If a 1a/1b of Smith and Rittich can collectively provide .920 goaltending then the team has a shot. If not, then it doesn't matter how well the skaters play.
A lot of season to go but things are looking good. They outshoot every opponent it seems.
Goaltending is going to be the difference between us being playoff fodder or playoff contenders..
We have strong defensive depth and have some good depth at forward, if Neal got going it would go a long way in allowing us to attack in waves as I've liked the 1st, 2nd and 4th lines lately.
But in saying all that it won't count for anything without a goalie that can not only make a key save every now and then but also instill confidence in the team on a daily basis.
They’re one of those teams that are not a favourite, but are a contender if: they get excellent goaltending; and they really and truly gel as an entire group.