Flame out: What went wrong

I could just copy other blogs of what went wrong and paste them here. Year after year, disappointment, and then the Flames make minor adjustments for the next season. After this year, I think small changes have come to an end.

The first choice was Tyler Toffoli's trade. Was it a complete failure? He was great during the regular season but went pretty quiet in the series lost to the Oilers. A rather expensive first-rounder, to say the least. He has one year left on his contract, so it might still be a little early to make a judgment on the deal. 

The first line did not come through during the crunch. I know it is not fair, but often, the stars get the blame when the team fails expectations. The Flames need more players who can perform under pressure instead of panicking. This core has not come through, so changes have to occur. But who goes?

First on the block is Johnny Hockey. I know losing him would suck, but in reality, what has this core done since they've been together? Early exit after early exit. Then there is the demand for the ten million dollars plus cap it will cost to keep him. Do we pay out the money? I don't see the Flames doing that (but I don't have any inside info on that.) Johnny's tenure with the Flames will be known for not being able to come through during the playoffs. I am not sure he wants to stay in Calgary; I think he has made up his mind about testing free agency. My gut tells me that if he wanted to stay, he would have signed by now. Johnny is one of the best players in the NHL. No one can doubt his talent, and someone will pay what he wants. He is one of the best Flames players ever.

Tkachuk is going to cost the Flames $9.9 million to qualify him. Yes, he is coming off a career year, collecting over 100 points. He scored 40 goals this season, another career-high. I could recite all the stats backing up his worth until I grow blue in the face. Tkachuk brings a lot of character to the dressing room, he gets into the teams' heads, and he throws off other teams' superstars. What he does without the puck might be more valuable than what he does with the puck. But can he get 100 points without Gaudreau? And will he stay when Gaudreau leaves?

Is Darryl Sutter too loyal to his players? Is the system at fault? Is it time to bring a new philosophy to the Flames' thinking? 

The Flames beating up along the boards has to change. It's a faster game now. Calgary's defence is too slow to compete with the faster teams in the league. It is time to get quicker and younger on the blueline, whether the Flames find the answers on the farm through the Heat or wheeling and dealing in the trade market. The number one guy I have been pushing is Connor Mackey I think he is ready to play now.

Randy

Are They Good Enough

 

So, did the Flames do enough? 

I know they are probably the best team in the Pacific Division. Apparently, they tried to get a depth defenceman, but couldn't make it work. The reason was there were not many options left by that point. I wonder if the Flames could have started earlier if they had made more cap room? They had to put Richardson on waivers just to be able to tinker in the final hour. 

The Flames could have made a cap casualty trade. Now bear with me—they could have traded Monahan for a cheaper third-line centre. If they are going to use Monahan as a third-line centre, they might as well use an actual third-line player to do the same thing for cheaper.  

One of my contacts has expressed how he feels about their use of Monahan: "They frankly misuse the talented centre."  I know Flames fans are often frustrated with Monahan, but is it his fault? When a team undervalues a player, can he help but think less of himself? 

The second part of this question: Should the Flames have considered making room for the Tkachuk and Gaudreau extensions next season? Could they have made a cap casualty trade without hurting the team? 

One contact explained why they couldn't dump any cap: "When you have the chance at the cup, you have to go for it." I countered about having to lose Tkachuk or Gaudreau next year. Another contact agreed with not changing anything before the playoffs: "You can't mess with a team's chemistry when it is one of the best teams in the League."  

With this discussion, I learned precisely what goes through a General Manager's mind at the deadline. They have to consider every option and then judge the likely result. Who knew?

Randy

This is a different kind of team

Yesterday, I talked with my source. I expressed my concerns about the Flames vs Oilers and how the Oilers had owned the Flames in the past. He said, "I wouldn't be worried; this Flames team is a different kind of beast."   

The Flames have had some near-perfect teams. What makes this Flames team much more dangerous than teams from yesteryear?  

Top First Line

Maybe one of the best lines in the game. Believe it or not, there is more than just Johnny Gaudreau to this line. Lindholm might be one of the best playmaking centres going right now. The puck-between-the-legs specialist, Tkachuk, is a highly talented goal scorer who plays with the best of them. Yes, the hated Tkachuk, who gets in teams' heads and gets teams off their game. 

Vezna Goalie Candidate

Markstrom has been outstanding; he gives the Flames a chance to win every night. What makes Marky so good is his vision; his puck vision is one of the best in the League. Markstrom rarely gets caught out of position. 

Supportive Scoring

The Flames have more than just a first line. A few names come to mind... such as Andrew Mangiapane and Tyler Toffoli. Mangiapane has 29 goals, and Toffoli has been fantastic since coming over in a trade with the Habs. 

All of that being said; I hate to be a Negative Nelly, but I don't think the Flames are good enough to beat the major contenders. I think they still are two players away from where they need to be. The problem will be finding an imaginative way to circumnavigate the cap to find a solution that works. 

Randy

What's in Store for this Sizzling Hot Team?

 

Where do the Flames go from here? I have been discussing Johnny Gaudreau a lot lately; how about the rest of the team?

The Flames have shown us that they are "all in." The Flames feel they have an opportunity here to win the cup. From what I have been told, the Flames would love to add another defenseman for depth. Sutter is not completely satisfied with the defense yet. There have still been a lot of mental mistakes in the defensive zone. 

They have scouted a lot of Seattle games, adding to the speculation that they are bringing home their old captain. The Flames would have to do another deal to make room or bring in a third team to make the cap fit. I have a hard time believing that will happen, but you never know. 

The team has signed  Rory Kerins. A skilled playmaking centre from OHL Greyhounds. 

There may be another forward for depth on the bottom six if they don't pick up a defenseman. Sutter would still like to add some scoring. The Flame's bottom six has to pitch in on the offensive game. Again, this will take some maneuvering because of cap constraints. I am not expecting much. Sutter wants to improve this team at the deadline. Cap management will have to come into play to make this work. 

The fans would love to see the Flames bring up Matthew Phillips, who is lighting it up in Stockton. The smooth-skating forward is becoming a star with his playmaking abilities. He is proving that he has what it takes to make in the show. Jakob Pelletier is also showing why he is considered one of the best prospects for the Flames. The two players might be worth keeping track of, as the Stockton Heat is one of the best teams in the AHL. 

The Flames are committed to improving the team, whether they bring up some bodies from Stockton or go the trade route. 

Randy

The Toffoli Acquisition: We are Going for It!

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. 

#13 is Going to Get Paid

Gaudreau showed how good he was last night. Everyone is talking about Johnny about how the Flames need to sign him. I have never heard so many people tweeting "pay the man." The only question is how much. 

The true leader of the Flames this season, Johnny is on pace for a career season. Johnny is on pace for 106 points and 35 goals, both career highs. Johnny is on pace for 22 power-play goals, the second-best in his career. How the Flames go depends on how Johnny goes.

Johnny is on pace on career highs in everything except in power-play goals. Upon writing this blog, Johnny leads the Flames in points and assists. 

I don't think I have seen Johnny this focused in his career. He is undoubtedly one of the best Flames players ever. 

Here is a collection of how good he is. 

The biggest obstacle is, of course, the team's salary cap. To make things worse, the cap is not going up significantly in the next three years. Johnny is worth north of 8 million dollars. Both sides know that. Both parties also know the Flames can't go much higher than 8 million. Gaudreau will give in his demands a little more than the Flames. Last I heard, they are about 2 million apart. I expect the Flames to go as high as 8.25 million. Whether Johnny will stay for that is anyone's guess. 

Randy

Crossroads

Crossroad #1 Johnny Gaudreau

The Flames are coming to crossroads; the Gaudreau contract expires at the end of this season. The major roadblock is that Gaudreau does not want contracts negotiations to continue during the season. If that persists, there has to be a point where the Flames have to address the Gaudreau contract talks. 

The way I see it, they have three options. 

(1) Keep Gaudreau and have a chance to lose him for nothing. 

(2) Trade Gaudreau for a rebuild and collect as many assets as you can get.  

(3) Ask Gaudreau to reopen the negotiations and pay the man.  

I have changed my opinion on the Gaudreau situation. Previously, I was all for a Gaudreau trade. But with the way he has been playing, I would love the Flames to re-sign him. 

So, I choose number three. But I am not sure Gaudreau wants to discuss the contract until the off-season. If he refuses, then the Flames have to use one of the first two options. Whether the Flames are close to a playoff or fading will shape which option the Flames will take.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Crossroad #2 Oliver Kylington

Oliver has been on a roll of late. Oliver is on a career year right in time for his RFA. Oliver has been the story of the year so far. I love the way he plays. He is becoming a very good young dman. He picks the right times to pitch in and speed to the offence. If he continues to play as he has, the Flames may have to shed some coin to re-sign the soon-to-be RFA.

Crossroad #3 Juuso Välimäki

Juuso came out with some not-so-complimentary comments about not playing lately. Jusso has been in out for ten games in a row. Either he is not very good, or he is stubborn and is unwilling to change his play. Or maybe the coaches have not been clear enough about what is expected of him.  

What is clear is that the Juuso situation has come to a head. How will the Flames handle it? I predict his days are numbered.

Crossroad #4 Darth Vladar

Vladar has proven his worth as an NHL-caliber goalie. His play of late has been outstanding. In the game in Toronto, Vladar stole the point, making save after save. Russ Cohen @sportsology on Twitter said something along the lines of, "The Flames don't drop a beat with Vladar in the net." Strong praise considering how well Markstrom has played this season.

The Flames are coming to several crossroads. It will be interesting to watch which forks in the road they will take.

Randy

Ugly

Sean Monahan has been struggling; that is an understatement. But before we all jump all over Monahan, realize he has lost a long-time buddy  Gaudreau as a linemate. Monahan needs a playmaker to feed him. 

The Flames feel that Monahan needs to step it up.  But when you lose a top linemate like Gaudreau, it is hard to adjust. For Monahan to succeed, he has to dig in the corner, fight for the puck, and be a leader. Sutter seems to think Monahan is just going through the motions. A direct quote from my source: he "Did not notice Monahan once in the game against the Oilers."  What does Monahan need to do to get noticed?  He needs to get more involved offensively. The Flames are not an offensive powerhouse. The top six have to contribute, as the Flames' secondary scoring is not good enough to bail them out. 

Monahan has not been alone in his lacklustre performance. The Flames have been sloppy through the first few games. My number one concern is that they have been outworked for the puck. The Sutter influence has been missing with this team. They are going through the motions, playing not to lose instead of playing to win. The Flames are not the most talented team in the league; they have succeeded with hard work, doing what it takes. The Flames have to score the garbage goals. What I mean by garbage goals is going to the net looking for the puck. They make too many clear shots, making it too easy for goalies to see the puck. The forwards must get in front of the nets to make it hard for the opposing goalie to see the puck. 

The Flames also have to be better defensively. There are too many scoring chances. I know it is easy to pick on the defence, but the forwards have to do their part. It is common knowledge that the Flames have a slow defence; the forward has to pitch in with defensive coverage. There will be defensive gaps. Someone has to be there to bail them out. So far, the forwards have not. 

Calgary Flames draft day

Well, it is that time of the year. Time to make a fool of myself. It seems to happen every year, yet here I am doing it again. This year's draft is a total craps shoot because of the pandemic. It's hard to find info on the players. So here is my guess. I am going on the positions they need to fill, not personalities. 

First Round 

Fabian Lysell - Right Wing

Fabien is a highly-skilled forward who can skate through a phone booth. His puck-handling skills are amazing. He is a game-changer. He is a playmaker who can score goals at will. The Flames badly need a top-six right winger for years; he is the answer to Flames fans' prayers.

Second Round

45 Samuel Helenius - Centre

Samuel is a big centre who loves getting his nose dirty. He loves the rough game and is willing to fight for the puck around the boards to get his garbage share. Samuel also has an excellent wrist shot. Flames could use his size at centre, as we lack size in the pivotal centre spot.

For the next picks, I am just going to list the names of the players.

Third Round

77 Kirill Kirsanov - Defence

Fourth Round

84 Aleksi Heimosalmi - Defence 

Fifth Round

141 Marc Lajoie - Defence

Sixth Round

173 Zack Stringer - Left Wing

Seventh Round 

205 Paul Davy - Centre

What to do Next: Gaudreau Update

This year has been a disaster. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. We have all seen this movie before. You would think the Flames would know this script and maybe change it up a bit. It is like they don't believe they need to change. When the teams fail over and over to meet expectations, usually the coach gets the axe. This year was no exception. Mr. Ward got the axe, and in came Mr. Daryl Sutter. With Sutter, we got to see heads roll. Players were motivated to play winning hockey, and the players did perform... for about four games. Then the old habits began to rear their ugly heads, and sure enough, the team fell into that dark hole otherwise known as oblivion. If you like Star Trek: there seems to be a rip in the space-time continuum. 

The first problem the Flames have had is automatically firing coaches and not looking at the root of the problem. I am not saying keeping Ward would have been the solution; I am saying you have the right players for the coach. If you bring in a disciplinarian, you need the players who will respond to him. Or, as my hero of Stampede wrestling days, Ed Whalen, says, "What we have here is a malfunction at the junction." A coach's job to put his players in the best position for success. For Sutter to achieve his goals, he must have Sutter players.  

When a team fails to reach its ultimate goal, it is easy to blame the players. And that is what management does when hiring a new coach does not produce results. Like it or not, the first place they look is the core of the roster. To keep with the Star Trek theme, it is only logical.   

Our Captain is at the age where he needs more help in the leadership role. I see too many passengers and not enough leaders on this team. What they need is a young Lucic with some skill who can learn from Milan. Sutter knows this team needs some players who know how to win. More Gios and Milans. The only way there going to get those kinds of players is trading talent back. 

Will this be the year Gaudreau is moved? Will the Flyers find a way? Will the Islanders or Rangers make a run at Gaudreau? Or do the Flames try to keep Johnny and consider dealing Monahan? The most likely choice is Gaudreau because the return is higher. Although, one can argue more teams are looking for a Centre.  I could see the Rangers and Canadiens looking at Monahan. Only time will tell. The Flames will be busy around the draft. Rumour is, they would like to clear up some salary in the off-season. 

Randy

Not to belabour the point, but...

The trade deadline is coming

I could go into exactly what went wrong this season, but that is like beating a dead horse. 

I could tell you the Flames look like the Keystone Cops, but I don't want to go over that again. 

I could tell you the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. 

But I am too good for that. Or am I? Okay, enough of the buffoonery on with the blog. With Canada approving the seven-day quarantine, the Flames doing something before the deadline becomes a real possibility. 

I am not saying it will happen; I am saying there is a possibility. It might happen. 

Johnny Gaudreau

The only way Gaudreau goes is if the Flames get blown away. Johnny's contract is one of the best in the league, and he is under contract for another year. He is also one of the most talented forwards in the league when motivated. The problem is keeping him motivated to lead them to the promised land. 

Sean Monahan

The next trade opportunity is Sean Monahan. The problem is that Sean's value is not exactly high. I also think Sean would be more willing to re-sign than Johnny at this point. Sean has not been fantastic this year, failing to live up to expectations this season.  

The other option is a series of smaller trades of the players whose contracts expire this year.

Derek Ryan

Derek might be the best option from the expiring contracts. He is a fourth-line centre who is excellent on the faceoff. He would help with the team's penalty kill and be on the ice to protect the lead last minute. 

David Rittich 

Rittich is a capable backup goalie. A few teams in the NHL are looking for a third goalie and would consider David an upgrade. I am not sure whether the Flames are planning on re-signing him. They may consider dealing him at the deadline. 

Those are the top options. The Flames could trade Backlund or Bennett. They have tried to trade Sam Bennett, but the offers have been underwhelming, to say the least. Teams would balk at Backlund's cap of $5 million. Leivo and Nordstrom are also on expiring contracts, but do not draw much interest. Nesterov on defence could be a bargaining chip as a number seven dman.  

Randy

Team's Heart is Lacking (Humor blog)

Warning, this blog contains humour. If you are allergic to humour or have lost your sense of humour with regard to the Flames, please do not proceed. 

You have been warned.

Should we be questioning whether the Flames have lost their heart? There is a lack of intensity in the Calgary Flames' play this season. They are like zombies out there, playing without any concern for the outcome. One of my pet peeves is when players are only playing for their paycheques. 

Their heart has pretty much given out. The Flames Management recently lashed out at the media for questioning the character of the team. Do you remember the cell phone commercial that said, "How about now?" You have to respect Lucic for coming out and defending the coach and saying it is a problem with the players. Now hear me out; yes, I believe that Ward should not be head coach. But that does not give the players permission to be bumps on a log. The core players have not shown they have the fortitude it takes to be winners.  

The root of the Flames' derailment is twofold. Firstly, the players are not on board with what the coach is teaching. Secondly, they lack the desire to win. Once a coach losses a room, the players turn off the ears. They become the Keystone Cops. Coaches run around looking like chickens with their heads cut off. Players have their fingers in their ears, singing la la la. The General Manager is sucking his thumb in the corner, saying, "I want my mummy."

Judging by past experience, sooner or later, Management will give players a time out. You know, sitting in the corner. Just ask Sam Bennett. Coaches will become tyrants, telling players to get with the program or become the Sam Bennetts of the world. If that doesn't work, they will threaten the players' job security. You know—the dreaded taxi squad. Players will respond by demanding trades or head butting walls. They will start fighting with each other, each sending his dad against the other dads. The prima donnas, feeling they should get special treatment, will demand to have their nails done. 

Management will then resort to doing a minor transaction to get the players in line—the dreaded shake-up trade. The Calgary Flames will then see if the team gels. As a source told me. "Every General Manager is allowed one coach change before he gets the heat put to his feet." He went on to say, "Brad will take his time before giving Coach Ward his walking papers. No GM wants to fire anyone. But he doesn't want his job on the line either." It is called Covered Butt Syndrome; otherwise known as the General Manager's contract. 

That may be cynical, but apparently, it is the unwritten code by which the general manager lives (and dies). Brad will fire Ward only as a last resort.  

Yes, this blog may have gotten a little facetious, but you get the point—this team is a mess. Until the General Manager addresses the issues, the team's course has been set. 

Randy

Issues need a-fixin'

Let me start with this: I do not have any inside info with regard to this blog. Now that I have said that, you all can slam me as much as you want. I have significant concerns with this team's work ethic. It is like they do not think they need to skate.

I can understand the eviction of Coach Ward. I agree that Ward has lost some of the dressing room, but let me add: how much of the blame does Brad Treliving get? The main problem is trying to spread out the responsibility on this team. Treliving's biggest failure is in getting the right-winger to accommodate Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. In Brad's defence, there is not enough money to spread around. I can hear everyone screaming at me; now, who's fault is that? My biggest problem is that they have not fixed this issue in the last three years. I don't count 2014 because that was supposed to be a rebuilding year. 

You can argue that Brad's distribution of the cap has flaws. The Backlund contract of $5 million for the next four years is a sore point. Don't get me wrong; Backlund is a useful player, but he would be a more helpful player at $3.5-4 million. Derek Ryan is one of the best fourth-line centers in the League. Again it is his $3.125 Cap hit. In my estimate, most fourth-line centres make around $700K to $1.8 million. Derek is one of the best, so give him $1.8 million.  

On the other hand, Brad made a huge splash by signing Jacob Markstrom for six @ $6 million. So give him credit for that one. He also signed Christopher Tanev for $4.5 million for four years. Most Flames fans hemmed and hawed, but what sold me was the improved play of Noah Hannifin. So Brad gets a pass on that one.

Ward might in trouble with this team. The problem is the system. What is the Flames' identity? Most people complain that Ward mixes up the lines so that no one knows their linemates. Do not get me started why Bennett was sent down to the fourth line. If you are going to capitulate and move him to the top-6 forward to prove himself, don't put him back to the fourth line after playing his best hockey of the season. What kind of message is that? If he has earned the top-6 minutes, give him the top-6 minutes. 

Last but not least, some of this has to be on the players. Stop playing like the world owes you something, and start playing like you owe the world something.  

Randy