cccsberg

Its interesting how at the start of the season everyone was saying our goalies were great and playing lights to, and they were, but now all of a sudden they are not even starter material. Goalies go through cycles, as do teams and the team hasn't been playing as well lately either so I'm not too concerned about our goalies current averages. In this past losing streak I've been surprised how "poorly" some top 5 goalies have been playing, as per their averages, i.e. NYR... Both our goalies are still above league average, I believe and have proven in the past to be able to play exceptional at times and steal games. I would have no problem going forward with either as our #1. Since Ramo is way younger, and cheaper and I think has better potential (he's still really young, for a goalie) I'd re-sign and go with him LT and look to make a trade of Hiller and bring in some assets at the TDL. Having said that, its probably time to start a longer stretch of games with one goalie to let them get established and settle in... Next year I believe Ortio can come in as backup with Gillies to the AHL, which would be a good progression for them all. Then let's see how they continue to develop, though we shouldn't have an issue for at least a couple of years.

There are a few names out there, and I wouldn't mind bringing in a couple of higher end youngsters or prospects almost ready to go. Myers, Larson, Gormley, Petry/Klefbom/other from Oilers? ...lots of potential opportunities but you'll have to give up something to get something. We have a plethora of prospect forwards and of course high draft picks(potentially, we should keep them...) so we'll have to see if BT can pull something off. I think after another month things will start to heat up trade-wise as teams start to see just where they sit and and what they may have to do to make the playoffs. Expect some action starting in the New Year.

I think Calgary brought in Engelland as a tough deterrent on D, along with Bollig and keeping McGratton. They've been able to not play McGratton much, and sat Engelland last game in large part because I think the fears of our small forwards getting manhandled hasn't materialized to date. There has been some rough stuff, but not much. Whether that's because of the intimidation/deterrent factor, the teams we've played or the rough stuff is becoming less and less common is not clear. Certainly Calgary hasn't played many/any of the really tough teams yet (OK, St Louis and Nashville) so we'll see once we hit LA and Anaheim. If Calgary can meet the need to play tough and protect our assets through functional toughness that's the ideal situation, but we may always need a nuclear option, i.e. Carcillo with Chicago and Scott with San Jose. Getting Ferland on the team, plus Bollig playing well, adding Poirier and perhaps Hunter Smith and others (e.g. Wolf) down the road may be enough. If so then we'll be able to seriously look at moving out Smid and Engelland for better and more mobile D in the 5-6 role, and replace them with Wotherspoon, Sieloff or others.. We'll still need strength to clear the front of the net but Kanzig could be that guy down the road. He has improved but still needs to do more. Overall, we are in a position to move out Wideman if we get something good back in return, and if not keep him for another year to help ease in the kids next year. I think someone like a Kulak could replace what he brings but isn't ready for full-time yet. Wotherspoon is more a solid, no-nonsense D and Sieloff tough as nails defender. Others to be determined. Our biggest need long-term on D is to find someone to replace Gio in a few years. That potential hole remains and we'll have to see what develops but if we could find someone young with high upside that can potentially grow into that role we'd be a lot better off than where we are now...

They are doing an amazing job, and I hope they can keep it up. The MSM is still set on this thinking that Calgary has little to no talent and they can't believe we're not in the basement. I noted 1 reporter yesterday conceding the talent is improving, but still... That's OK, doesn't hurt to go under the radar and be unappreciated. It can put a chip on the team's shoulder to prove them all wrong. We'll see how far that takes us. Agree, at some point we'll have to make similar decisions on several other players. Thing is to keep moving forward and balance off the risk/reward of a proven youngster versus a yet to be proven, but higher potential prospect.

Nice thing with Brodie is not only is he great on offence, but he also knows how to play defence. He had an excellent game, and I really like the SportsNet isolations and commentaries on players. Really reinforces good play.

Using both goalies has been a great plan so far. If they go with Hiller now for a few games till he stalls, then switch back to Ramo, win again. As long as there is a competition and they keep pushing each other, and are given fair chances, I think it'll work.

Agree fully. Brodie is really stepping up big time. Strange this game, I hardly noticed Giordano out there. I guess just solid good plays but not too often up on the rush.

Agree completely. Let take the long-term view. Anything to upgrade the team should be done.

Yeah, I'd bet that is right, although I think some moves should be made with the guys riding the pine. I think some of the prospects are better and would help the team even this year.

Agreed as both have played well. No reason to change at this point.

Can't say that I've noticed enough to write him off at this point. I'll have to pay more attention.

Agree. I believe the active competition keeps them both working hard and on their games. Should be the same for all players.

Screwball numbers to be sure, but it won't last for long. Would be nice to trade one of the later, sooner than later.

Agree, lets play both and if they both shine thats a good problem to have.

Hey, he's scoring, can move the puck and play serviceable D. Even at 5+ mm he's not out of line with some younger D. If a contender loses a D to injury he could be a great filler.

Yes, no reason to change at this point. If it continues all season it'll be a good problem to have to figure out what to do going forward.

I agree with your assessment. What will be interesting to see if, and when BT is able/willing to pull the cord on some trades, sending out some of our performing vets for prospects and picks. I know as is we might push for a playoff spot, but over the longer term I think we'd be better making the 4-6 trades and bringing in a couple top prospect D and picks. Yes that trailing forward is working well. Agree we should be trying to offload Wideman while he is doing well.

Amazing that 4 of the top 7 scorers are defence.