Make changes now before it is too late

The Calgary Flames need to make a statement, because the way they're playing is hideous.  So much inconsistent play, from the forwards down to the goalies. Rittich is coming off his worst start of the season against the Panthers. The Flames had total control of the game, up 4-2 in the third, when their brains seem to cease working. They instantly went into sleep mode and allowed the Panthers to score three goals in the third.

What is going on? One has to think there is a problem in the dressing room. They seem to be uninterested in playing a full 60 minutes. The defence is getting caught flat-footed in their zone. The forwards are taking penalties, too lazy to make an effort.  Too many times, the Flames have just stopped skating. They are holding and tripping to get the puck back, which could easily be fixed by taking that extra stride to catch up.

Is it the coaching?  The players seem to have no idea what system the Flames are playing. They seem to be confused about their coverage in the defensive zone. Two defencemen are going behind the net, leaving opposing forwards wide open in front of the slot, while the Flames forwards are waiting for the defence to getting them the puck.

The second line is lacking hustle.  Frolik is the one taking the heat. Frolik is a steady player, but he is not a second-line winger. The Calgary Flames have to take part of the responsibility for this. They knew he was not a second-line player, yet they did nothing to find a replacement.

The Flames have had an issue with second-line support with scoring for the last three years. They have had a dressing room issue for the previous two years. Players are putting themselves over the team. The Flames have to make a statement. They must hold players responsible for their actions.  Changing the lines up at the Heritage Classic was a step. Free rides must come to an end; this team has to mesh before it is too late.

I know what you are going to say. I know it is early. But too many times, I have seen the Flames fall behind too far to come back. The team's attitude of just "showing up" has to change; this team is not good enough to just show up.

Randy