Flames: What to do?

Buckle up, fans, the Calgary Flames are about to be tested with the big boys. The offence has been successful, and here is a novel idea: defence, stop making bonehead mistakes. The forwards have to commit to helping in their own zone. Too many times this season, the Flames have gone into a game just to add onto their stats. The old saying holds: defence will win cups.

The offence is in high gear, yet the Flames are linked to every forward in the League, from the Devils' Marcus Johansson to Wade Simmons from Philly.  Add the Rangers' too many players to be mentioned. The Flames have made it known they are open for business. Their main priority is bringing in a vet to help in their own zone and add the odd offensive goal. Their next priority is bringing in a number four or five dman to help with the kids. There is little hope in bringing in a goalie under contract.  But the problem with trying to trade Smith is that they cannot find a team willing to take that contract on. Peters has told the media over and over that the Flames can improve. They must improve in playing a full 60 minutes. They must improve their defences lapses. They have to bring in the mentality of a winner.

There are still a few options on the farm. Curtis Lazar has shown fantastic leadership. He feels he is ready and has shown the characteristics of a  team player. He has put off theme mentality and replaced it with team mentality. The Flames would love to add some depth to the farm. They may be willing to take a chance on Hosang. The Flames have mentioned their number one pick is in play. The prospects Dillon Dube and Spencer Foo could be trade bait. How far they will go is anyone's guess, but they feel they can take up the torch. Or should I say, Lord Stanley's Cup?

The Flames are Busy Beavers

The Flames are flying and buzzing, forcing the opposition to make mistakes. They are led by one of the best lines in the League: Monahan, Longholm, and some guy named Gaudreau. I hear Gaudreau is supposed to be pretty good! Their second line seems to be kicking butt with Frolik, Backlund, and Tkachuck, known as the 3M line.

The defence is still weak at times, mostly because the Flames are bringing the 1980s back into the NHL. Gio is really putting up offensive numbers I never saw coming. Every year, I think he is going to slow down, but instead, he ups his performance. He is Superman on the defence back there. I am getting excited with the real Hammer coming back with robust play and monster hits.

The scary thing is this team can still improve their play.  They still have not played a full 60 minutes. Yes, this is a big concern. Despite my friends telling me "just be happy, they are winning," I am here to tell you that sooner or later, it is going to catch up with them. The Knights and Sharks are playing full out, forcing the Flames to win on a regular basis or they will make the Flames eat their dust.

The defence's lapses have to slow down. They are forcing the Flames to score at least four times a night.  Most nights they are, but wouldn't it be nice to win without all that offence? Watching the Flames win is a lot of fun, but I wish we didn't have to see the bad defence to go with it.

This leads me to wonder what needs to be fixed. The Flames are very busy on the phones right now.  Paul Kreischer, one of my contacts, says the Flames are one of the busiest teams in the league. They are building the momentum on getting a new arena built. Stone will be available after his blood clots are gone. Another source says the Flames are all in. No excuses, it is time to take the gloves off. People are going to know this team by the end of the season.

Watch for the Flames to pick up a goalie if they can find one. Is Smith the primary obstacle? What do you think they are going to do with him?