1. Overtime finish. Wasn't the stat that we had the 3rd all time most Overtime losses (second to Florida this year and Tampa a few years back)? 16 overtime/shootout losses. If we were even at the average of OT losses, we'd be in playoffs. Kipper's never been great in the Shootout, but this year he looked better. Our shooters just couldn't do it. Sutter made some odd selections for those shooters, but regardless, they have to score.
2. Faceoffs. Not as easy to translate to losses, but it's clear when we've got our goalie pulled in the offensive end and can't win a draw, that we're not going to get any more shots on net. I'd be scared to know how many goals came this year quickly after losing the faceoff in our own end as well. Iggy and Stajan were our only forwards who were even a coin-toss to win. Everyone else might as well assume we lose it.
These are two areas that I see really separated us from the playoff teams. What's frustrating is that I think we actually had a pretty good record against some of the best teams in the league (except Boston ), suck we couldn't play that well against the worst teams in the league
I'll put more into this when I have time, but the long and short is this: its an absolute shame this team wasted a year like that from Kiprusoff. Age says we're not going to get many more like that from him, if any. If he's still here next year.
1. Overtime finish. Wasn't the stat that we had the 3rd all time most Overtime losses (second to Florida this year and Tampa a few years back)? 16 overtime/shootout losses. If we were even at the average of OT losses, we'd be in playoffs. Kipper's never been great in the Shootout, but this year he looked better. Our shooters just couldn't do it. Sutter made some odd selections for those shooters, but regardless, they have to score.
2. Faceoffs. Not as easy to translate to losses, but it's clear when we've got our goalie pulled in the offensive end and can't win a draw, that we're not going to get any more shots on net. I'd be scared to know how many goals came this year quickly after losing the faceoff in our own end as well. Iggy and Stajan were our only forwards who were even a coin-toss to win. Everyone else might as well assume we lose it.
These are two areas that I see really separated us from the playoff teams. What's frustrating is that I think we actually had a pretty good record against some of the best teams in the league (except Boston ), suck we couldn't play that well against the worst teams in the league
I concur. I also think secondary scoring was another reason. We lost a lot of games because of 1 or 2 goals, and seeing the fact that we were one of the worst teams in the league for scoring goals, we need legit secondary scorers and more goals from the blue line.
We also need to shoot the puck more. It's no coincidence that the teams that shoot the puck also have more goals. Sure guys like Comeau weren't scoring goals but shot the puck like it was a hot potatoe, but at the same time guys weren't going to the net either, as most guys cycled or wanted to cycle. We need to shoot and go to the net, and try to shoot more. But a lack of shooting is probably a result of our poor face-offs and too many giveaways, as indicated in our stats.
I concur. I also think secondary scoring was another reason. We lost a lot of games because of 1 or 2 goals, and seeing the fact that we were one of the worst teams in the league for scoring goals, we need legit secondary scorers and more goals from the blue line.
We also need to shoot the puck more. It's no coincidence that the teams that shoot the puck also have more goals. Sure guys like Comeau weren't scoring goals but shot the puck like it was a hot potatoe, but at the same time guys weren't going to the net either, as most guys cycled or wanted to cycle. We need to shoot and go to the net, and try to shoot more. But a lack of shooting is probably a result of our poor face-offs and too many giveaways, as indicated in our stats.
I agree with you and Rangediddy. Very solid points...to add:
1) Size. We need bigger bodies in our top 6 and 1 or 2 bigger dmen. We lose too many puck battles and cannot compete with teams like St. Louis.
2) The biggest problem was coaching and roster chemistry. It is clear Sutter was not the right coach for a squad full of vets. Either he should have been let go or a larger roster turnover geared towards a younger squad should have happened. I find it hilarious that we as fans saw the best hockey from this team when half of our forward roster was shelved. It shows IMO, that Sutter is a solid, but bullheaded coach. It's his way or the highway. It's hard to tell whether the blame should fall on ownership's or Feaster's shoulders, but regardless this needs to be addressed in the offseason
What i want going into next season is to add more size, grit and work ethic to 2-3 positions on our backend and top six. Continue to get younger. Bring in a solid FO guy, and make sure we have a coach that gels with our 2012-2013 roster. If that coach is Sutter, I'll have no problem with that. But I have a feeling we won't see him next year anyways.
What i want going into next season is to add more size, grit and work ethic to 2-3 positions on our backend and top six. Continue to get younger. Bring in a solid FO guy, and make sure we have a coach that gels with our 2012-2013 roster. If that coach is Sutter, I'll have no problem with that. But I have a feeling we won't see him next year anyways.
unfortunately I think our top will get smaller. I have no evidence and have heard no rumors but I have a feeling we let Jokinen walk and Cammalleri moves to center. With no big boddied top 6 guys available I think we get smaller. I am really worried Feaster is going to run with Cammalleri, Backlund, Stajan and Jones as our centermen too
unfortunately I think our top will get smaller. I have no evidence and have heard no rumors but I have a feeling we let Jokinen walk and Cammalleri moves to center. With no big boddied top 6 guys available I think we get smaller. I am really worried Feaster is going to run with Cammalleri, Backlund, Stajan and Jones as our centermen too
yeah...But if Iginla goes I hope they move Cammy for a bigger body. unless you have elite players, Cammy is a vegistal part of the roster IMO. He is the perfect example of a complimentary sniper.
That is just my opinion though, maybe a smaller, more skilled front end would work. But I look at teams like St. Louis and cringe at the thought of playing them without some size up front.
yeah...But if Iginla goes I hope they move Cammy for a bigger body. unless you have elite players, Cammy is a vegistal part of the roster IMO. He is the perfect example of a complimentary sniper.
That is just my opinion though, maybe a smaller, more skilled front end would work. But I look at teams like St. Louis and cringe at the thought of playing them without some size up front.
I really don't care about the size of the top 6, we have seen when Cammy and Stajan want to they can hit can forecheck as well as a big body. I would rather go for the highest skilled top 6 versus some skill and big bodied. Also if we move Iggy I would prefer to keep Cammy as I think he would be a great leader.
unfortunately I think our top will get smaller. I have no evidence and have heard no rumors but I have a feeling we let Jokinen walk and Cammalleri moves to center. With no big boddied top 6 guys available I think we get smaller. I am really worried Feaster is going to run with Cammalleri, Backlund, Stajan and Jones as our centermen too
I get your point here, and I definitely believe that the Flames are too small and too weak down the middle.
However, do you think Jokinen is in any way more physical, or wins more battles for the puck than Cammalleri?
Do you think Jokinen, Backlund, Stajan and Jones is better than ^ ?
Just asking.
I don't see a difference personally - and I actually enjoyed watching Cammalleri as a C (despite having little faith in the idea going in). And while Cammalleri isn't the answer to the #1 C that we have been looking for, I guess I think that Jokinen is no closer.
We finished 9th. Mathematically, "best" out of the non-playoff teams. Realistically we finished in the worst position in the league, and can blame King and ownership for their win now mandate, blame Feaster for doing nothing at the trade deadline (and being fooled twice).
Feaster doesn't decide if we're rebuilding or not. Ownership does. If ownership decides to rebuild now (2 years late IMHO), I'm okay with Feaster being GM through that, and thankful that we've dramatically improved our scouting department just in time. He's not the most savvy or sophisticated GM but he does seem to have a pretty good ability to assess young talent. I wasn't very familiar with Butler or Byron but I've become a fan of that trade since.
I couldn't agree more though, that finishing just out of the playoffs is the worst spot to finish. Getting tired of that.
I get your point here, and I definitely believe that the Flames are too small and too weak down the middle.
However, do you think Jokinen is in any way more physical, or wins more battles for the puck than Cammalleri?
Do you think Jokinen, Backlund, Stajan and Jones is better than ^ ?
Just asking.
I don't see a difference personally - and I actually enjoyed watching Cammalleri as a C (despite having little faith in the idea going in). And while Cammalleri isn't the answer to the #1 C that we have been looking for, I guess I think that Jokinen is no closer.
I think size is overrated what we need are players that aren't afraid of getting hit or hitting. When Stajan got here he was scared of the thought of getting hit now after time on the fourth line he is willing to battle and get physical. Thorton is big but isn't physical and I would much rather have Thorton than a grinder because of his skill. Size shouldn't matter as much as what the player is willing to. I don't care about the size of the player I care about how much fight they have in them.
I think size is overrated what we need are players that aren't afraid of getting hit or hitting. When Stajan got here he was scared of the thought of getting hit now after time on the fourth line he is willing to battle and get physical. Thorton is big but isn't physical and I would much rather have Thorton than a grinder because of his skill. Size shouldn't matter as much as what the player is willing to. I don't care about the size of the player I care about how much fight they have in them.
Perfectly put. Too bad Theo Fleury was too small for the NHL hey? Just like Luc Robitaille couldn't skate, and Dominic Hasek was too unorthodox. Would've sucked to have all 3 on the same team in the mid 90's hey?
I want dedicated team guys. Don't care if they're short or tall or fat or skinny, if they constantly fight forward, I'm a fan.
Perfectly put. Too bad Theo Fleury was too small for the NHL hey? Just like Luc Robitaille couldn't skate, and Dominic Hasek was too unorthodox. Would've sucked to have all 3 on the same team in the mid 90's hey?
I want dedicated team guys. Don't care if they're short or tall or fat or skinny, if they constantly fight forward, I'm a fan.
For as long as I can remember we have been looking for big guys are tough guys, what we need is speed talent and work ethic. I think thats why I am cheering for Gaudreau to pan out because he is exactly what I am talking about he is small but has some wheels and amazing stick handling and isn't afraid to hit.
For as long as I can remember we have been looking for big guys are tough guys, what we need is speed talent and work ethic. I think thats why I am cheering for Gaudreau to pan out because he is exactly what I am talking about he is small but has some wheels and amazing stick handling and isn't afraid to hit.
Absolutely! Skill wins hockey games. Not height. And I'll take a second line of honest working worriers (Glencross), over a first line of egocentric pampered ballerinas (Semin....), any day. It's just a bonus that you can afford 3 or 4 Glencross's for 1 Semin. I hope this is the philosophy we move towards now.
I think size is overrated what we need are players that aren't afraid of getting hit or hitting. When Stajan got here he was scared of the thought of getting hit now after time on the fourth line he is willing to battle and get physical. Thorton is big but isn't physical and I would much rather have Thorton than a grinder because of his skill. Size shouldn't matter as much as what the player is willing to. I don't care about the size of the player I care about how much fight they have in them.
That was pretty much my point - the original poster commented that Cammalleri was too small for C and suggested Jokinen instead. I think Cammalleri plays a much stronger game than Jokinen does, despite the lack of size, and he is more skilled, and brings more emotion and leadership
That was pretty much my point - the original poster commented that Cammalleri was too small for C and suggested Jokinen instead. I think Cammalleri plays a much stronger game than Jokinen does, despite the lack of size, and he is more skilled, and brings more emotion and leadership
I agree 100%, also this team needs a new direction Jokinen is the kind of player we have also been looking for big but not the most skilled (he use to be) Cammy is what we should be building with talent and passion.
I agree 100%, also this team needs a new direction Jokinen is the kind of player we have also been looking for big but not the most skilled (he use to be) Cammy is what we should be building with talent and passion.
Not sure about Jokinen . Cammy gets the boot in MTL for speaking the truth "they played like s**t because they practiced like s**t " and the way MTL finished and fired the GM I would agree . I would think he would have expressed that in the room before getting pissed and saying it publicly . That is a guy you want someone with some fire and passion not the " just smile for the camera and speak the company line" like Iggy.
Not sure about Jokinen . Cammy gets the boot in MTL for speaking the truth "they played like s**t because they practiced like s**t " and the way MTL finished and fired the GM I would agree . I would think he would have expressed that in the room before getting pissed and saying it publicly . That is a guy you want someone with some fire and passion not the " just smile for the camera and speak the company line" like Iggy.
I should have known you would try to turn this into a Iggy bash. You're such a sad excuse for a "fan"
That was pretty much my point - the original poster commented that Cammalleri was too small for C and suggested Jokinen instead. I think Cammalleri plays a much stronger game than Jokinen does, despite the lack of size, and he is more skilled, and brings more emotion and leadership
hold up, I never said any such thing. I said "I think we will be getting smaller in our top 6".
I never said anything about Cammalleri being to small to play center. I don't overly like Cammalleri as a center but its not because of his size, its because I don't trust him much defensively.
If you are referring to my concerns of going with Cammalleri, Stajan, Backlund and Jones as the centermen, the concern is over faceoffs because that lineup would not be an improvement on this year in that department.
hold up, I never said any such thing. I said "I think we will be getting smaller in our top 6".
I never said anything about Cammalleri being to small to play center. I don't overly like Cammalleri as a center but its not because of his size, its because I don't trust him much defensively.
If you are referring to my concerns of going with Cammalleri, Stajan, Backlund and Jones as the centermen, the concern is over faceoffs because that lineup would not be an improvement on this year in that department.
Ok, fair enough.
I will just say that, between the two, I prefer Cammalleri centering the 1st line over Jokinen.
But yes, neither addresses the issues of faceoffs, over getting stronger down the middle.
I will just say that, between the two, I prefer Cammalleri centering the 1st line over Jokinen.
But yes, neither addresses the issues of faceoffs, over getting stronger down the middle.
i don't want either centering the top line. I hate putting all our eggs in one basket, either one I would prefer to make the #2 center. Stajan has proved he can play on the top line.
In 9 games this year playing 1st line minutes he had 8 points (3g, 5a). In 18 games last season (this was ended with an injury) on the top line he had 14 points (1g, 13a). The season he was acquired he finished with 16 points (3g, 13a) in 27games while playing on the top line (this line was Iginla, Stajan and whatever LW Sutter threw on the line). So by my math he has played 54 games while consistently being the #1 center and has 38 points (7g, 31a) in that time period (57-58 point pace over a full season). And then on top of that he gives the Flames the best chance at winning faceoffs.
I should have known you would try to turn this into a Iggy bash. You're such a sad excuse for a "fan"
Not bashing Iggy just stating the facts . How much effort did he put in down the stretch ? Weren't you and others bashing him (cherry picker ) maybe go back and read some gdt posts. He isnt the worlds greatest captain anymore I'd rather have Cammy or Gio. Some one with some passion.
Giordano showed the most passion of all the Flames night in night out. The guy showed tons of emotion last year and this year. We need more guys like him on the Flames. The guy just hates losing, period.
), suck we couldn't play that well against the worst teams in the league 
