The Calgary Flames' Comedy of Errors: Golf, Waffles, and Undercover Boss

I have overheard some interesting conversations on the street lately. Let's listen in on a conversation between two people walking by. I know it's eavesdropping, but we only live once!

Bob: Hey, look at that. Is that a new waffle shop being built?

Joe: No, that's just the Calgary Flames waffling on whether or not they are going to trade Hanifin. I wish they would make a decision already. Personally, I'm not too fond of waffles.

Bob: Look at that person running and laughing all the way to the bank. He must be some kind of successful businessman. I wouldn't mind having some of his dough. Let me tell you, that would be nice.

Joe: I think that's Hanifin's or Lindholm's agent. You're right; he's definitely in the right line of work.

Bob: I wonder what kind of education you need to do well in that field.

Joe: I imagine you would need some kind of degree. Counting up to a million takes some learnin'. 

Bob: Look—oh no! Look at that fire on the golf course. Oh, the humanity! That poor golf course."

Joe: Oh, that is just Flames players on the golf course. They're not very good at that either.

Bob: Hey, look at those guys just watching their teammates getting beaten up and not stepping in to help. No team will even give them a chance."

Joe: Yeah, they're Calgary Flames recruits. They have been watching too many Flames games. They should put on Golden Knights games. They might learn a thing or two about hockey.

Bob: Maybe you should apply to become the Calgary Flames hockey coach. You are pretty knowledgeable about what is going on with the Calgary Flames."

Joe: Shh, can you keep a secret? I am actually on Undercover Boss, looking for Flames who actually know how to play hockey. Just taking a break from work.

Oops! It seems like I stumbled upon a potential future episode of Undercover Boss. Let's keep this conversation to ourselves; I wouldn't want to get in trouble with the network!

Happy Halloween! The Calgary Flames have been a horror show this season. I hope the trick-and-treating can stop, or maybe we need to change the script. The only other option is just to laugh and say, "Oh well, that's the Calgary Flames." It's better than crying.

Randy

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Not So Hot: Flames' Mental Errors Impact Early Games

This season is already bringing back bad memories from last year, as I notice the resurgence of bad habits. In two out of three games, the Flames have secured leads only to allow them to slip away. The main problem seems to be mental, as the team fails to maintain their performance for sixty minutes of gameplay.

I am seeing some improvements. Huberdeau looks like he is invested this season, playing more with increased energy. Backlund is acting like a Captain, being a leader out on the ice. Then there is this kid, Matthew Cornado, who consistently works hard to make a difference. But the bottom line is that this team should be 3-0 instead of 1-1-1. The Flames had leads in both Washington and Pittsburgh but only managed to secure one point. The team needs to be better. There were too many breakdowns defensively, and they were a mess in Pittsburgh.  

I know people blame the one goal in the Capitals game on Marky. But the team does not have to stop playing after a bad break! When the Flames have a lead against a beatable team like the Caps, they have to keep on them and throttle them. Instead, the Flames slow down and let Washington catch and beat them. The Flames lack the killer instinct required in such situations. Coleman and Kadri, who have cups, need to nip this in the bud. Don't let it become a recurring problem. Our star players must step up when needed and remain visible even when the going gets tough. 

While it may be early in the season, but if we have the same mental errors later in the season, it will come back to bite us. To those who argue that it's too early to worry, consider this: do wins later in the season earn us more points? Just something to ponder.

Best player so far this season

Matthew Cornado has been a spark plug for the team, infusing the dressing room with his contagious enthusiasm. He is a breath of fresh air. 

Randy