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The half season is not a disadvantage for the Flames, it's going to be an advantage. Either the team comes out of the gate fast and is in contention, or the writing is on the wall and Feaster will be forced to acknowledge the need for change. In a shortened season that will mean player movement. It also likely means the potential for the Flames to get a high pick is that much higher. I expect some of the also-rans who normally finish near the bottom to have a fast start and build a cushion over teams who start slowly. Edmonton will likely come out hot, but fade. With a short season that means they will not fade as far and make it tougher for slow starters to catch them. Of course, with the new lottery system the Flames could finish dead last and Edmonton just miss and the Oilers could still get that first overall pick.
I understand the need for the Oiler rule to prevent sucking for year after year, but why did that rule come in when the Flames are about to head to the bottom of the league?
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