Pokecheque wrote:
The Ducks are always suspect. Ever since Burke they've relied on a handful of players to do it all, just so happens they caught a Flames team that ain't quite ready for prime time yet.
I wouldn't be too discouraged by this if I were a Flames fan. They had to settle for some of the crap leftover from the Feaster Famine Era, and the biggest albatross (Wide Man) comes off the books, as does Smid.
The challenge for Treliving will be how to build the bottom half of that defensive corps basically from scratch. Also have to take into account that you're likely not gonna get a full 82 games from Gio.
I'm not too worried about their goaltending. At least you don't have an overpaid Russian with groin issues or two overpaid Finns with talent issues.
But one mistake I DO think needs to be rectified is behind the bench. I don't think Glen Gulutzan is a good coach, but he'll likely earn a reprieve at least until early next season. I would be curious though if they might entice Lindy Ruff to come over. This seems like a much better fit for his coaching style than the run-and-gun Stars.
Yep not too discouraged. This team just isn't ready yet but they've got time and the important pieces are in place.
It WILL be nice to get Smid, Widemand and Engelland off the books. I liked the play of Stone but probably not at 4 mil a year. Brouwer needs to be dumped somewhere.
Lot of speculation over at CP regarding the next goalies for Calgary....the consensus being not Elliott........but even then I could probably be convinced to take him back if the price was right. I certainly wouldn't want Ben Bishop on a LTD. Gilles seems to be the real deal....but I heard that shit about Brent Krahn for years too.
The Flames certainly had plenty of years of piss poor scouting and mismanagement so I feel for the Avs.
I am not a big fan of Gulalkdsflakdfnafdnzan either. Lindy Ruff would be a nice fit for this group. I like it!
Not too disappointed with the outcome. Its been a long time since I had both clubs in the post season dance so I can't complain too loudly.