Sixty Minute Effort

The title summarizes the problem in a nutshell. The Flames need to show up on time and go to work. They have been outworked and outmuscled so far this season. This is on both forwards and defencemen. Too often, they are taking lazy penalties, using the stick instead of taking that extra stride.  I am not sure if it is a coaching issue or if players are not executing. If this is on the players, I find that it is worrisome, simply because this should not be an issue. If the players do not want to put in an effort, the results will not change. 

Matthew Tkachuk has been showing some frustration lately. He does not like losing. He takes every defeat to heart. They are not fighting back; the Flames look like they are accepting the loss. I heard a great description by a friend in describing another team: " there is no energy in this team." This is the Flames to a T.  We need to see some fight from this team.

Tkachuk has a nasty habit of feeling he has to be the one who fights back. I know; he is Tkachuk and it in his blood. But in truth, this should not be part of his job description. Coaches or players have to step up. Sooner or later, he will find himself in suspension territory. The last thing this team needs is to lose Matthew for a couple of games. This kid is the future captain of the team and everyone knows it. He has to use his head. 

I have to mention a couple of defencemen who have made an impression on me. Noah Hanifin and his tag team partner (WWE plug with Royal Rumble coming soon) Christopher Tanev have been nearly perfect this season. We all know how much Hanifin struggled last year. This season, he is a different player, keeping his back end nice and tidy. Noah has worked hard on defensive zone coverage. So far, Tanev has shown his worth. Whether he is wholly or partially responsible for Hanifin's play, Hanifin has profited from playing with him. 

I know it is still early in the season, but it is vital for the Flames not to fall too far behind in the standings. The season is only 56 games long and there have been too many 3 point games already.