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Old 11-30-2018, 10:25 PM   #1
Bourque's Twin
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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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Old 11-30-2018, 10:26 PM   #2
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now you just jinxed us
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:27 PM   #3
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now you just jinxed us


Agreed! Too early for this thread!
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:28 PM   #4
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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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Old 11-30-2018, 10:28 PM   #5
Reggie Dunlop
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The Calgary Flames are good at hockey.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:29 PM   #6
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They are a good team...in fact they should have more point ts IMO. Just enjoy it
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:31 PM   #7
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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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Old 11-30-2018, 10:31 PM   #8
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The Flames look like playoff contenders right now.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:33 PM   #9
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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.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:37 PM   #10
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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.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:37 PM   #11
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:38 PM   #12
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Until they can find/develop an elite franchise type goaltender, we're just a playoff contender at best.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:41 PM   #13
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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.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:42 PM   #14
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No
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:45 PM   #15
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Just one of my favorite movies ever and that scene is among the best.

God bless and RIP James Gammon.



As for the OP.

Flames are certainly playoff spot contenders.

This league is becoming closer and closer in parity so anyone getting into the playoffs is a contender IMO. Calgary is sure on the right path.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:46 PM   #16
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They’re a good team, but no, I’m not ready to anoint them anything until they go to the 3rd or 4th round of the playoffs.
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:47 PM   #17
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It's not a question of "if," it's a question of "how many?"
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Old 11-30-2018, 10:57 PM   #18
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I see Winnipeg/Nashville as the top 2 teams in the West.
Calgary is now part of the next pack with Colorado/San Jose.

Anything can happen on today's NHL, but the Flames are definitely not a top 5 NHL favourite.
We are in the discussion for top 10 however.
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Old 11-30-2018, 11:10 PM   #19
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Flames are contenders to make the playoffs.
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Old 11-30-2018, 11:12 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N-E-B View Post
They’re a good team, but no, I’m not ready to anoint them anything until they go to the 3rd or 4th round of the playoffs.
You will call them a contender if they are in the finals? Way to go out on a limb lol
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