Calgary Puck

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?
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NHL backup goaltenders are some of the most beloved players on hockey teams when it comes to hockey fans in hockey markets.

The starter plays often, he never leaves the ice, fans tend to get tired of them and find themselves rooting for the unheralded backup.

In Calgary this season, starter Mike Smith has become this season’s biggest lightning rod of discontent due to his poor play, weak goals, and big contract.

A change of expectations for Mike Smith to a backup goaltender would likely alleviate some of the anger, but where does he line up when it comes to backups across the league? Is the move from #1 to #2 enough of an expectation change to save his image?

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James Neal isn’t scoring in Calgary, this isn’t news to anyone.

But why?

Some obvious reasons come to mind;

*he’s playing on the third line and not the second
*he’s somewhat snake bit
*the quality of his linemates are likely down a notch from the past two seasons in Nashville and Vegas
*or he’s in a quick decline due to too much playoff activity.

But what do the stats say?

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