Make changes now before it is too late

The Calgary Flames need to make a statement, because the way they're playing is hideous.  So much inconsistent play, from the forwards down to the goalies. Rittich is coming off his worst start of the season against the Panthers. The Flames had total control of the game, up 4-2 in the third, when their brains seem to cease working. They instantly went into sleep mode and allowed the Panthers to score three goals in the third.

What is going on? One has to think there is a problem in the dressing room. They seem to be uninterested in playing a full 60 minutes. The defence is getting caught flat-footed in their zone. The forwards are taking penalties, too lazy to make an effort.  Too many times, the Flames have just stopped skating. They are holding and tripping to get the puck back, which could easily be fixed by taking that extra stride to catch up.

Is it the coaching?  The players seem to have no idea what system the Flames are playing. They seem to be confused about their coverage in the defensive zone. Two defencemen are going behind the net, leaving opposing forwards wide open in front of the slot, while the Flames forwards are waiting for the defence to getting them the puck.

The second line is lacking hustle.  Frolik is the one taking the heat. Frolik is a steady player, but he is not a second-line winger. The Calgary Flames have to take part of the responsibility for this. They knew he was not a second-line player, yet they did nothing to find a replacement.

The Flames have had an issue with second-line support with scoring for the last three years. They have had a dressing room issue for the previous two years. Players are putting themselves over the team. The Flames have to make a statement. They must hold players responsible for their actions.  Changing the lines up at the Heritage Classic was a step. Free rides must come to an end; this team has to mesh before it is too late.

I know what you are going to say. I know it is early. But too many times, I have seen the Flames fall behind too far to come back. The team's attitude of just "showing up" has to change; this team is not good enough to just show up.

Randy

Same old, same old

The Flames are still looking like they forgot that a game is sixty minutes. They are making too many mistakes, leading to many scoring chances. The forwards are still not coming back; the defence again caught way out of position. To be fair, the Avs are one of the best teams in the League. I know it is only one game, but it just concerns me the team is still having the same issues.

My biggest worry is the goaltender not being able to bail the Flames out. Rittich was not bad, but he was not spectacular. For the Flames to win against this all-out offence, the goaltending has to flawless. The Flames are a force to be reckoned with, but they cannot win with this offence. Frankly, they don't have the tools to do it.

The Flames are trying to sell Frolik. But they are running into problems with the cap. Teams need an incentive to take that cap on. Frolik is a useful player, but his cap is a bit too high for a third-line winger.

So the Flames have to add a pick get a deal done. They have another option, and that is eating some of the cap. So far, they have not been willing to do that. 

They have been in discussion with the Devils. The Devils have not shown much interest in Frolik. But they have admitted to looking for a defenceman. That is okay with the Flames, but the Devils are balking at the price of Brodie. I guess the Flames want an arm and a leg for TJ. I never understood that saying, but I digress. The Devils are not alone; many teams are showing interest, but the Flames cannot get anyone to bite on the price.

Don't kid yourself; the Flames are one of the most active teams in the League, but they cannot find a willing partner.

I can tell you they are ecstatic with the play of Lucic—go figure.