cross16

This is where I am falling as well. Started with Valimaki, Sutter didn't play him and Treliving did an interview expressed he needs to play, and it's built every since. I don't think the way Sutter is coaching the team this year is how Treliving built it, they are way more passive and this team was built to skate and pressure, and obviously it seems fairly obvious they are not on the same page with young players. it has to be frustrating for Treliving to see a first round pick go to the AHL, do everything they could want, see your NHL team in need of more speed, goal scoring, and then not have your coach play that player. I wouldn't blame Treliving at all if he walks over this at the end of the season.

But that's the point, it isn't not if we look at the same spot of the season last year. Like I said at this time last year the Flames were 14th in scoring rates at 5 on 5. 15th in all situation with 2.99 Goals for/60. This year they are 10th at 5 on 5 and 22nd in all situations with 3.02. They are actually scoring at a higher rate this year than they were last year, again at this point in the season. Only point being is the narrative between last year to this year has changed mostly due to expectations. Agian we forget that it wasn't until February that last year's team really took off, especially offensively, but it's not like they were a high end goal scoring team all year.

Depends on how you want to look at it. At this time last year the Flames had played 36 games. 5 on5 they were scoring at 2.48/60 clip on 2.71 Expected goals for.. This year's it's 2.68 on expected goals of 2.8. Last year they were giving up 2.1 and 2.38 Expected goals against. This year's it's 2.46 on 2.39 expected goals against. All Strengths: Last year scoring 3.14 on 3.04 expected goals for. Giving up 2.55 on 2.7 Expected goals against. This year's its 3 on 3.21 Expected goals for. Giving up 2.91 on 2.82 expected goals against. Jtech isn't really off, goaltending does jump out as a key difference. The other one being is that last year's group took off in February (10-1) and it remains to be seen if this group can take that next step that got them to those levels.

Be hard pressed to find a player like Huberdeau for 5.9million. Don't agree he is underperforming his cap hit.

Don't get the hate Huberdeau is receiving here. He tried to make a play in OT (what you want a player like him to do) and the defender made a better one. It happens. He's basically a PPG (20 in 22GP I think. 24 in his last 29) player since end of November and I've really liked his game for the most part. Sure mistakes here and there but his compete level is high, he is creating chances and he's getting his points. Don't get it.

I think it's also 2 separate questions. There are valid and good reasons to want to trade Markstrom outside of how he is playing right now. Contract, age, cap situation, Wolf, Vladar. I think it merits discussions even if he was playing well. Of course his level of play amplifies it but again I think the discussion about getting his game back and trading him can be separate and don't need to be linked. That was my point. It's 2 different discussions I think.

I think this is well said and I would agree with much of it. I think the expectations put on this team were unfair personally (too much change to expect them to be as good as last year's team) but they were high. It's not clicking for this group and the more it continues to be a fight the more the confidence wains and then the pressure of expectations weighs on them too. I know it doesn't feel like it but they've actually been playing pretty well as a team for over a month now. I also agree that this team's needs leadership to step up or develop. Not sure it's necessarily a captain being named (I think that's an overrated position) but think it's possible that right now Sutter is their leader. Great teams tend to be player led.

It's hard to speculate because it depends on what Coronato wants to do and when his season ends. If we assume he wants to sign this year and he wants to play this year: Earliest he likely could sign is first week of March. First week of his conference playoffs is March 4th. it would be an upset if Harvard lost but if they did he'd be eligible to sign. There would be about 16 or so games left for the Flames at this point. If they go all the way to the finals and lost then he could sign the last week of March. Be about 7/8 games left for the Flames at this point. If they went to the Frozen Four he woudln't be available till about Mid April. Maybe in time for 1 more game and yes he would be eligible for playoffs. There is also the potential he is up for the Hobey Baker. That is not looking very likely but it's another potential issue to signing him. That isn't handed out until April, but as I mentioned it's not looking likely he is a candidate for it. End of the day it's hard to say but I also think it's not relevant as I don't think the Flames would go this route and honesty I'm not a big believer he could step in right away and help.

It could yes, it always could. But at the same time the Flames are a pretty good defensive team. Not perfect mind you, but they are top 10 in most categories . Vladar actually is the busier of the 2 goalies and is still out performing Makrstrom. Like I said I absolutely agree there are things this team can do better, number 1 being they need to find some confidence. I think the biggest issue with the Flames right now is they just have no confidence as a team. Like you say a lot of griping sticks, overthinking it etc. I think they are a good team, and have played like a good team for a while now but it's so hard to be a great team if you don't have confidence in your game, yourself or your group. That's really where last year's group turned the corner. But it's also very very difficult to get that to level if you are not getting the saves at the other end.

I don't think it needs to get this dramatic. Why is giving Vladar a run meaning they need to trade Markstrom? Why is acknowledging that Markstrom is fighting it right now mean he is done as a Flame, or done as an NHL goalie? I think there are far more scenarios at play then this. I don't see how giving Vladar a run of games and treating him like a number 1 at this moment of time means anything other than at this point in time he is there best bet to win games. I think we are reaching if any further conclusions are drawn outside of that. Let it play out and then the plan becomes clearer. Markstrom would hardly be the first, and he won't be the last, number 1 goalie to fight it for a season and then bounce back and be excellent the following year. Even that is getting ahead of ourselves because he could find his game later in the year too.

This is not to lay everything on Markstrom as there are many things worth discussing around this club but at the same time it's the nature of the position. If you don't get good goaltending in the NHL, or really at any level of hockey, you are just not going to win consistently. At 5 on 5: Goalie 1 - 900 Sv% and 0.796 HDSv %. On 25.39 Shots Against/60. 7.43 HD Shots against/60 and ExGAgainst of 2.34 Goalie 2 - .920Sv% and 0.840 HDSV% on 28.85 Shots Against/60. 7.79 HD Shots against/60 and ExGAgainst of 2.5 All situations: Goalie 1 - .893 Sv% and 0.816 HDSv %. On 26.52 Shots Against/60. 7.51 HD Shots against/60 and ExGAgainst of 2.68 Goalie 2 - .906Sv% and 0.847 HDSV% on 29.36 Shots Against/60. 8.27 HD Shots against/60 and ExGAgainst of 2.78 Goalie 1 League Rankings: 39th in Save % 37th in GSAA/60 27th in HD SV% Goalie 2 League Rankings: 24th in Save %. 25th in GSAA/60 15th in HD SV% Both of those goalies play for the Flames. Don't think it would take many hints to figure out which is which. Flames as a team rank 7th worst in Save % 5 on 5 and High danger save % at 5 on 5. With how many 1 goal games they are in (which I absoltely agree is an issue in itself and is not the product of goaltending) I don't thin it's a stretch at all to say that if the Flames were just receiving league averaging goaltending they are likely right there with Seattle/LA. Interesting to point out that Markstrom is ranked 9th in Expected goals against/60 and Vladar 16th. Markstrom 7th in HD shots against and Vladar 17th. Flames team is far from perfect but it's really hard for me to suggest that the goaltending is a problem because of the team in front of them. That team isn't perfect and has issues but this is really a Markstrom issue right now and I think the numbers clearly show that.

can but timing will be a potential issue as it depends on how far Harvard goes. playoffs are in March and Frozen four is early April. Harvard is ranked top 10 so could have a deep run that would make it tough for him to get games in. I think it’s highly unlikely they go this route though.

we are long past the point where this should matter

Lots of things you can look at and discuss but at the end of the day you just are not going to find consistency as a team when your goaltending isn’t good. That isn’t to blame this all on Markstrom but it’s the reality of the league. To win consistently over the course of the regular season you need above avg goaltending. Flames are not getting that enough. Earlier in the year I was supportive of letting Markstrom try and play through it but that threshold has been crossed. You need to give Vladar a run at this and see if your team can build on the game they’ve been building the last month

Only thing I will point out, is that in an interview with Francis Treliving did say he has not given up hope that Kylington will play this year.

Well "treatment" is a fair word so long as you understand that the program does more than just treat substances and that was really the only reason behind my post. Not intended or aimed at you at all. If Kylington is away dealing with anything he should be received treatment from the program as it what the program is meant for. Doesn't matter drugs, mental health, whatever.

Think it should be pointed out that the players treatment program goes beyond just addressing substances. There are many avenues of support available through that program so the word "treatment" shouldn't imply a conclusion. There is really no news here IMO. Hope Kylington continues to get whatever he needs and kudos to the Flames for keeping this private, as it should be.

Can this guy just stay healthy please? I feel for the kid as it seems to be mostly random injuries/illnesses but it looks like there is something there if he can just stay healthy.

And I don't really disagree with you. If I were pulling the strings I would have given him a shot. My only perspective i'm offering is I think there is some logic in what Sutter is doing and i'm not sure I agree it's bad messaging. Having said that, if he treats Pelletier the same way then I would 100% disagree the messaging is poor and would have some more criticism for Sutter. I think at the end fo the day there is a uniqueness to Phillips case that goes beyond just general player development but I certainly don't disagree with your take there.

It shouldn't, as you say the puck clearly moves backwards. There was a time the NHL started to allow these, the spin o rama, but then specifically banned it because the puck was moving backwards. I can see some grey area here but based on the rules and past precedent I don't think this should count.

Think what we need to remember is that what a coach says to the media, especially in the case of a veteran coach like Sutter, is almost always premediated and targeted. It really should not be taken at face value. So why single our the "youth" its pretty simple, they are still learning and Sutter's style is to motivate you by challenging you. Why not challenge the Vets, Sutter has faith that they know this effort isn't ok so why call all that out? What does he gain? Certainly not a style for everyone but it's how he uses the media, it's a motivational tool for him (and many coaches).

Took in the Wranglers game yesterday. I get Sutter hasn't always been great this year but honestly I can see why he was reluctant to play Phillips. Phillips is brushed off the puck really easily and falls down multiple times a game due to body contact. He scored a highlight reel goal and is a fun player to watch at that level but at the same time I can see why Sutter is hesitant. Yes I still think a "try it and see what happens" would be a nice attitude for Sutter to have once in a while but I can appreciate where he is coming from. Having said that, that argument doesn't hold up with Pelletier.

I get the points argument but to me focusing on OT is missing the point. There is no 3 on 3 in the playoffs so personally I could care less how good a team is in OT, it's likely a red herring in terms of evaluation. Flames have to figure out how to stop getting so many games to OT, not how they get better at OT. That comes down to a combination of timely goals, better/consistent D play (for the most part this is happening) and lastly better goaltending. Timely goals and goaltending being the bigger opportunities for improvement, outside of last night's game. I don't think the Flames were sharp in their own zone but they have been lately and I think last night was more around a lack of compete/focus than it was execution.

Been a while since the flames have had a bad game imo but that was a bad game. Poor effort, low compete level, terrible in zone defense. Just pretty shameful honestly that you spot a team as bad as Chicago a 3 goal lead. That just can’t happen. Hopefully they get it out of their system and have a better rest of the road trip

If it were me I’d put Pelletier right in Lucic spot. I get it feels like a gigantic step but the biggest strength to Pelletier game is his IQ. I think he is smart enough to find the right ice playing with Huberdeau and Kadri. wont happen but I wouldn’t hesitate to try it.