Flames Extinguished

The Calgary Flames season has been a disappointment, and this is something that none of us can deny. A major issue for the Flames has been their inability to close out games. While the goalies often get blamed for this, the fact is that there has been much more to it than just lousy goaltending. The powerplay has not been able to produce goals, and this is an issue that does not stem from the goaltenders. The Flames made seven or eight deep bad defensive plays in our zone. It has nothing to do with our goaltending. 

One of the primary concerns for the Calgary Flames is finding a suitable center to play alongside Jonathan Huberdeau. We all know Huberdeau is a far better player than what he has shown. The team needs to establish a system that works well for every player. It is essential to eliminate selfishness and focus on playing as a cohesive unit. Unfortunately, this season, we have had many examples of players trying to win games single-handedly.

Additionally, the team needs more energy and emotion than they have displayed in previous seasons. Darrell Sutter's ability to motivate his players has been a significant benefit in past seasons. But this year, it has just not been there.

There has been much talk about Markstrom's confidence taking a hit after the Edmonton Oilers series last season. Throughout this season, Jacob has struggled with his performance, frequently getting caught out of position and conceding easy goals. That being said, he has yet to get the greatest support. Often, Jacob has been left to fend for himself, with his teammates failing to provide the necessary assistance.

Fixing this dysfunctional group of players is a monumental task. Initially, the Calgary Flames need to tackle the cap issues. The Huberdeau and Weeger contracts are significant problems that need to be addressed. The challenge is finding a way to fit both players within the team's budget. Ownership is not keen on a complete rebuild, so the Flames must figure out how to make hockey trades while staying within the salary cap. It is almost impossible to remain competitive while being restricted by the cap. Whether Brad or someone else is GM, they will have to have a top-notch capologist or possess magical powers to get the Flames out of this crap.  

In the second part of this blog, I will delve into the Calgary Flames' most valuable trading assets. These include notables such as Tanav, Toffol, Hanifin, Dube, and Lindholm.

Randy

Sell, Sell, Sell

I hate to state the obvious, but the Flames need to sell coming up to this draft. The Flames must take stock of their situation heading into this draft, as they have consistently failed to meet expectations. No matter the cause, they are not a playoff team and must take action. Selling off players is the only way to gain the assets they need to get back on track.

Which assets? I hate to say it, but don't they say ripping the bandaid quickly is better? So here is ripping the bandaid off. Elias Lindholm has one year remaining on his contract. While it may be difficult to do, the Calgary Flames have to decide whether to trade him to avoid a similar situation to what happened with Tkachuk or Gaudreau. Lindholm is an excellent playmaking center who can be a great asset for many teams, especially the Colorado Avalanche.

The Calgary Flames have many options on the defensive side. Who should they keep, and who should they trade? Mackenzie Weeger is rumored to be on the trading block. They are not actively shopping for Mackenzie Weegar but are open to offers for the blue liner. 

Another option is Noah Hanifin, who has one more year after this season. Do the Flames keep him for another season or send him packing? If the Calgary Flames decide to part ways with Hanifin, he will be a hot commodity.

The Flames' UFA group is not exactly a bumper crop. However, they have three players—Lucic, Lewis, and Stone—who could bring in draft picks in a trade. The Flames may have to eat up half of his cap hit in any deal involving Lucic.

It would be a shame if the Flames opted not to keep Backlund or Tyfolli on, as their performances have been stellar this season. 

Brad is in a tough spot, as his future with the Flames is not so bright with the Flames being out of the playoffs. He has nothing to lose at this point and may not be willing to start rebuilding for the future. 

Blow it up

I understand Flames fans being very frustrated with an underwhelming hockey team. I know this can't all be blamed on one player, but the apparent culprit is Markstrom. I hate to pick Marky, but he has been struggling all year.

That being said, the Flames have yet to tighten up on their defensive end. The forwards have been fighting the offensive side. They need to try harder to score and remember the other end. What is the saying? Oh yes, "defense wins cups."

Speaking of forwards, how about Milan Lucic playing his best hockey as a Flame? Lucic has really fit in with Huberdeau and Kadri. Huberdeau has been showing signs of getting out of the doghouse. But he still needs to pick it up if the Flames are to succeed.

Lindholm also needs to turn things around. He is the Flames' most talented centre, but perhaps losing Tkachuk and Gaudreau took its toll. Could anyone blame him? Losing two forwards like Tkachuk and Gaudreau will obviously change the stats. That being said, Lindy needs to pick it up.

The Flames repeatedly losing their lead has to stop. In the past, I could count on my hands how many times the Flames lost a game when they had a lead going into the third period. I can count that high this year on the many times they have blown leads. This year it is a regular occurrence. Each game, I am just waiting for the catastrophe to start.

The Flames are not a rookie team. It is time that they stop playing like one.

Randy

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

Calgary Flames: It's a 60-minute game

The title should be self-explanatory. The Calgary Flames have to become a 60-minute hockey team. The third period against the Kraken the other night was a gong show. The defense coverage was laughable. There were many other issues; blind passing, players standing around, and most concerning was being outworked every game. When was the last time you saw a Sutter team outworked consistently every night? My source said it best when he said, "The Flames are lucky to be 5-1 when they had not played a full 60-minute game all season." Well, that caught up to them, and right now, they're closer to a lottery team than a contender. 

Plain and simple, I love the acronym KISS, meaning Keep It Simple Stupid. The Flames are overthinking, trying not to lose instead of trying to win. Suddenly they are skating in the mud, doubting themselves. They've lost their heart. The loss to the Islanders was Kraken, Part II. Mistakes happen when you start trying to protect the lead instead of keeping your foot on the gas pedal. Hockey comes naturally; the Flames need to let the game come to them. 

Markstrom has not been able to make the big saves, particularly in the third period. That might be because the Flames slow down and stop playing, or because Markstrom is struggling himself. I think it is both. The Flames made a ton of mistakes in the Islanders game. It was another gong show. There is no excuse. Markstrom has to improve his game and the Flames must hustle for a full sixty minutes. They should know better. They're not a young team. It is time to put on their big boy skates. Sutter needs to bring the ship back on course. 

If Huberdeau's injury is long-term, the Flames may have to consider trading one of the defencemen to bring in another forward. They must take action before the team falls too far behind.

Randy

Predictions for the season

 

Do visions of Huberdeau and Lindholm dance in your head? So goes the beginning of the hockey season. Don't tell me you don't have them in your head. 

There are high expectations for the Flames. As the season progresses, those expectations will turn into dread and visions of firing everyone. Well, maybe not. This team is built for the playoffs; we just have to get there. Speaking of expectations—I would like to throw out some numbers I think certain players should obtain. They are the leaders of the team going into this season. 

11 Jonathan Huberdeau 

He is known as Huby and is the star of attraction this season. He is an outstanding playmaking forward who can play with the best of them. Huberdeau might be the best passer in the game. He has a sneaky shot. He will be the leading scorer on the team. 

30-60-90

Elias Lindholm 

Elias Lindholm is the number one centre. He had a career year last year. He is a smooth skating forward who is sneaky fast. Lindholm has a terrific wrist shot. Lindholm's one-timers are deadly; he is very accurate in the slot. He will benefit from Huberdeau's playmaking. 

I am expecting: 40-35-75

52 Mackenzie Weegar

Many experts feel Mackenzie is the best defenceman on the team. He is strong both ways in his game. Sturdy and dependable defensively, he will cut down defensive mistakes in the Flames' zone. 

Weegar is the typical Darryl Sutter player. He has a high hockey IQ. 

I am expecting: 12-30-42

Jacob Markstrom

Jacob is an elite goalie. Even better news, he won't be left to his own devices as often as last season. He is one of the best positional goalies with excellent vision. He rarely gets caught out of position. 

His load should be less this season.

I am expecting: 55 starts, 35 wins, and 6 shootouts. I am really hoping it is 50 starts. 

Randy