The Flames are making a statement. They are on a six-game winning streak, and Sutter has been yelling his order for a top-6 forward. To state the obvious, the reason they are winning is the first line.
In the Calgary Flames' eyes, they have acquired the best top-six forward in the market in Tyler Toffoli. That leads to the entire reasoning behind the trade: the Flames need scoring support. Before the game last night, I could see Tyler playing the second or third line. Toffoli fit perfectly with Monahan and Dube. Monahan and Dube looked like brand new players. What Toffoli does for the Flames is give them three scoring lines.
The Flames are running on all cylinders right now. The forwards are flying; the speed on this team is incredible. Every forward is contributing on the offensive side of the game. One source said, "This move gives the Flames four offensive lines." Yes, the offensive play is at an all-time high, but their never-say-die attitude is what makes this team so effective.
It is crazy how they work this board game; they hit you until they take away the puck from you. "If you get caught playing their game, you will be sore all over and on the wrong side of the scorecard."
One more quote I hear all that time from several fans is "we finally have a defense that can score." The team is working as one, and there is no I in the word team. Every player is on board and involved in all aspects of the game. In other words, these players are now working as teammates, not as individuals.
