New Year, New Flames?

I could go on for hours about what the Flames' needs are, but I wonder if bringing in a bunch of new players is the solution. Don't get me wrong, the Flames could use a top-six winger and a new goaltender, but realistically they can only bring in a few. 

The Flames have enough talent to compete every night. Huberdeau needs to start playing like he is capable. Lindholm has to pull up his socks, and Kadri needs to maintain his effort. My post-Christmas gift to this team is a lump of coal.

But, since this is not the spirit of the season, I will offer up an olive branch. The Flames need another sniper to add some offensive punch. So here are a couple of options. 

A Brian MacLellan Player

I would love Max Domi of the Chicago Blackhawks. Not the Blackhawk name you were expecting, I know. Max has some grit and can score with a Huberdeau; he just needs a chance. A power forward who could be the 20-goal scorer the Flames need.

The Defense needs a touch player. The Flames need one more defenseman who can stabilize the core. Someone who helps cover some defensive mistakes.

A Jamie Macoun Player

Nick Holden is an option for a steady number-five dman who might help in a pinch. I don't want a star, but someone who can help with defensive zone coverage. His cap hit is cheap, and we can afford to take that on. 

This team needs to take responsibility for what is going on. They don't need an overhaul. What they need is to start playing like they're capable of. 

Randy

Flames: My Kingdom for a Winning Streak

Let me ask you a question: Is there a more frustrating team in the NHL than the Calgary Flames? The offense is average at best, and abysmal at worst. I could use other words, but this is a family blog, and my wife would not edit it for me. 

Huberdeau has shown up a few times, then taken a seat to watch. The Breadman has yet to be the dough man (see what I did there). The defense has been lacking, to say the least. When your best defenceman has been Stone, it makes you wonder what is wrong. I mean good for Stone, bad for the Defence. Of course, that is not the case in every game, but it has happened this season.

To say the Flames have been inconsistent would be an understatement. It would be equivalent to calling the Grand Canyon a big hole. (Get that the Flames might have fallen off the path a few times.)  

Markstrom coming out and saying he is not happy with his play is admirable. Of course, I have come to admit I suck at playing the piano. Saying it is one thing. Doing something about it is another. Yes, this blog is a little facetious, but you get my point. There is no room for excuses or mediocrity. The Flames have to stop the nonsense or they will have to listen to my big words of anger. If the Flames continue with sloppiness and inconsistency, there is always the lottery ticket of Beddard. Or we can put on our big boy pants and fix this ship.

Last Word

Darth Vladar, in thee we trust. The end

Randy