This year’s first installment of the Stat Hack; a quick story looking to drill down into a specific area, delves into the obvious question in town – What the hell is wrong with the Calgary Flames?
The quick answer? Everything!
Or at least, almost everything. – Full Article –
Lots of high quality restricted free agents are awaiting their second contracts from their respective NHL clubs; that isn’t the least bit newsy at all.
However a few changes in structure, production and expectation have conspired with a cap wrinkle to put a tonne of pressure on the contract negotiations between this high end group of players and their hockey teams.
It’s a pressure that should have the sides coming together quickly if the numbers are crunched closely by both sides.
The last thing a hockey fan should become is an apologist.
I think some fans tend to lean to the positive, others to the negative, and if I was to relegate myself I would certainly see more rainbows than storm clouds; but then those that know me would say I carry that slant through all things in my life, not just hockey.
For me, the thought on most transactions is the following statement;
“Brad Treliving knows what he’s doing”.
That isn’t a statement of fact, it’s an opinion, but its my basis to look at team building and what the general manager is up to.
The man is known to have his nose into every single discussion, is often referred to as a guy that out works his peers, and is quick to use the word “process” in almost every interview. In my profession, I make many calls a week that will be questioned over and over again for years by others, so to a wildly different degree I can understand having to work out the best course, and finally make a call that you’re willing to live with.
With that as my basis I look at the shocking Lucic/Neal swap on Friday afternoon. – Full Article –
Missing the playoffs isn’t fun.
The NHL season is a long journey, and to have that journey end without a single playoff game seems somewhat like a complete waste of time. Oh sure there are seasons, rebuilding seasons, where the team is up front and honest and intentions and with that fans are happy to support a young, plucky team that exceeds expectations, as infinitesimal as they are.
We saw that with Bob Hartley during the 2013-14 season. With Jarome Iginla gone, and the Flames moving towards youth. Sean Monahan had his first season, the team never gave up and they received standing ovations in losses. Quite the thing, really.
It’s when expectations get ramped up that the questions get more pointed, the answers require more thought, and the course or direction to rectify a huge disappointment is monumental in terms of the off season and the team that will appear in the fall to crank things up again.
What do I make of the complete faceplant we witnessed in the first round against Colorado?
It doesn’t really matter. The important read or view will come from Brad Treliving. – Full Article –
It’s become the topic of day in Calgary, at least in hockey circles since the team came back from an extended break in and around the National Hockey League’s NHL all star game.
David Rittich was pulled early in a loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night, and then was out foiled by his counterpart Jacob Markstom in a loss on Saturday night despite the Flames having a 47-25 shots on goal advantage. The Flames are deep, offensively gifted and ready for what could be a deep playoff run, but is their Achilles Heel their goaltender?
– Full Article –
