The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly - And What Got Addressed
The last year was a mixed bag so I thought I would address specifics. The good and the bad were pretty clear cut. The ugly was the middling stuff that had good elements, but had problems too.
First, for the good.
Bourque and Glencross were very good. Two additions that helped the team immensely.
Conroy was excellent. You couldn't have asked for more from him.
Scoring from lower lines (even the third) was very very good.
Scoring totals was quite good too. One of the better recent totals.
The performance of the lower level players in general was quite good. There were good performances by call ups too.
Penalty Kill was very good.
The record against San Jose was excellent.
We also equated ourselves well against the Red Wings all things considered.
The bad, well, there were a few problems here.
Quite simply, Kiprusoff's performance was quite bad.
Phaneuf had a terrible year both injury wise and performance.
Iginla in his own words had a below average year. Very low for the expectations placed on him.
Langkow had a terrible year as well.
Defence was atrocious. It has been in steady decline for some time now.
Power play at #21 with the personnel the Flames have, was poor.
Shootouts weren't numerous but we were at the bottom here.
The record against Chicago was awful. They are a monkey on our back.
This inability to deal with the Nucks has also become a problem that needs to be addressed.
And the middling, there is a lot.
Cammalleri scored well, but he faltered when we needed him most.
Jokinen came in with a lot of promise and a hot streak, but he too slowed drastically.
Bertuzzi had his moments but he also had his lapses.
Regehr was his usual self, but there were problems with injury.
Boyd shows some flashes, but he went into lengthy slumps.
Lundmark scored very well, but can he be trusted in the heavy going?
The Flames did hobble together a pretty healthy winning streak and looked like world beaters just when they needed to, but this too passed.
I am sure you get the idea and there are a lot of additions you are welcome to make.
You have to know when the best paid segment of your team had a poor showing overall, there are going to be problems. You can't be expecting the Craig Conroy's at 1 Million per year to be carrying your team.
So what has been done to address this situation?
A new goalie coach for Kipper, and a commitment to developing a system where he is not used as often as he has been. A different defensive system in front of him. Some more talented defenders in front of him. Hopefully, there will be more accountability as a team defensively. He also has a head coach who will not let the team sink with Kipper. Sutter has used back-ups very successfully in New Jersey.
Phaneuf seems to have a spring in his step so far at Olympics. I think this is going to help his game myself. Make him a little accountable. His health should be much better.
The addition of Bouwmeester should help defense all the way around. (Almost forgot him)
Iginla has admitted he had a poor year, it is up to him to address this.
Langkow had a horrendous year with injuries. This is a first for him. Hopefully, he rebounds.
Special teams and defensive play will be subject to practice and the system will help. Sutter (B) is a taskmaster. Things will be different.
To my way of thinking, some of the problems have been addressed. Yes, we lost some scorers like Cammalleri, but he was not always a guy who could take this team and lead them on to victory anyway. Bertuzzi could contribute and was money on a breakaway, but he also made some decisions of the (Doh) variety as well. The record against teams and Chicago and Vancouver is going to have to be addressed. (Interesting to see Vancouver just dumped Ohlund for being too old and slowing down and the word is they are picking up Schneider and Skatchard. Good luck with that rejuvenation project Gillis.)
Of course, a lot is going to depend on how the players take things to heart but I don't usually count on every star on the team having an off year two years in a row. I have some optimism.
Last edited by abracanada: 08-26-2009 at 02:25 PM.
"Jokinen came in with a lot of promise and a hot streak, but he too slowed drastically."
I would actually put this in the bad, based on his stats he was a good player; however watching him one game he was the most outstanding player I've ever seen... then the next he was one of the worst, if you want to be making the money he does you need to be consistent. If I compare him to Iggy, even though Iggy had an average year he was consistent and didn't make bad decisions just did not make as good of decisions as he could have. Jokinen made a lot of bad decisions and I didn't feel he played smart hockey game in game out.
"Jokinen came in with a lot of promise and a hot streak, but he too slowed drastically."
I would actually put this in the bad, based on his stats he was a good player; however watching him one game he was the most outstanding player I've ever seen... then the next he was one of the worst, if you want to be making the money he does you need to be consistent. If I compare him to Iggy, even though Iggy had an average year he was consistent and didn't make bad decisions just did not make as good of decisions as he could have. Jokinen made a lot of bad decisions and I didn't feel he played smart hockey game in game out.
Well, the good part of it is that Jokinen showed some brilliance. He also was the top scorer in the playoffs and I view that as a positive. I was disappointed too that he didn't maintain it but I haven't written him off just yet. I think there is some potential there.
Well, the good part of it is that Jokinen showed some brilliance. He also was the top scorer in the playoffs and I view that as a positive. I was disappointed too that he didn't maintain it but I haven't written him off just yet. I think there is some potential there.
I didn't have huge expectations of him, I just wanted a smart player that could pitch in. Mind you I also thought that he should of been on the second line rather then Cammy and ice two lines.
He can change; unforitunitly the price tag and the first impressions is a really bad combination in my mind. Hopefully under Sutter he can improve, I have hope because Sutter will be a much better coach and hopefully calm him down and get him to be more consistent.
"Jokinen came in with a lot of promise and a hot streak, but he too slowed drastically."
I would actually put this in the bad, based on his stats he was a good player; however watching him one game he was the most outstanding player I've ever seen... then the next he was one of the worst, if you want to be making the money he does you need to be consistent. If I compare him to Iggy, even though Iggy had an average year he was consistent and didn't make bad decisions just did not make as good of decisions as he could have. Jokinen made a lot of bad decisions and I didn't feel he played smart hockey game in game out.
I agree with that. I hate to wear the optimistic hat, but inconsistency can stem from instability. He played for 3 teams in 2 conferences within a year. Lets give him a training camp, preseason, and regular season. If it doesn't work, we let him go.
Regardless, this is a thread looking back on last year, so your assessment is spot on.
Quite simply, Kiprusoff's performance was quite bad.
This is one thing that has really been bugging me all offseason. People really seem to have short memories regarding Kipper. His numbers weren't good. No doubt about that at all. However there were many games where he made that big save to preserve a lead or keep the game tied that we managed to win. When the flames went on the big winning streak midway through the season Kipper was great. Don't know why everyone is forgetting that.
Beginning of the year he got off to his slow start as usual and the end of the year he didn't play well at all. With all the injuries and with the defence really struggling I can forgive his end of the year play. Start of the season though he needs to be better and hopefully this year he can do that. He needs to be more consistant this year and hopefully with the improvement of the defence he can do that.
the good- bourque, glencross, conroy, pardy, sarich, moss, nystrom and all the ahl callups played with heart
the bad- iginla, phaneuf, kipper, langkow
the ugly- the first round exit
i have no expectations for this team whatsoever, all i want them to do is make the playoffs and hit, goon, and punish. i loved it when they did that the year after the lockout and finished first. i can't wait to see bouwmeester play on a regular basis and wonder what a full year of jokinen here will bring.
This is one thing that has really been bugging me all offseason. People really seem to have short memories regarding Kipper. His numbers weren't good. No doubt about that at all. However there were many games where he made that big save to preserve a lead or keep the game tied that we managed to win. When the flames went on the big winning streak midway through the season Kipper was great. Don't know why everyone is forgetting that.
Beginning of the year he got off to his slow start as usual and the end of the year he didn't play well at all. With all the injuries and with the defence really struggling I can forgive his end of the year play. Start of the season though he needs to be better and hopefully this year he can do that. He needs to be more consistant this year and hopefully with the improvement of the defence he can do that.
Kippers season was hardly a stellar year. If Iginla can take his lumps and his stats placed him as number 8 for scoring, why can't Kiprusoff's #32 goals against average count as a bad year?
Kipper wasn't great we can all agree with that, but really he didn't get much help. If we had some sort of Defensive structure he stats would be a bit better maybe a 2.5 ish GAA, which still isn't great, but it's decent. With a bit more emphasize on defense this season I can see Kipper with around a 2.30 GAA or so, which would be great!
Phaneuf has to be better this season and like a few posts above said he has looked rejuvenated with the prospect of wearing the Maple Leaf in 2010.
Iginla wasn't great last season and I felt he was streaky scoring 2-3 points one game then invisible next 1 or 2 games, which is something we can't have from him.
I think Jokinen will have a great year this season and I don't know why I just do. I think he will gel with a line, maybe not even Iginla and I think he will have a solid year.
I am excited for all those returning heart players like Glen X and Bourque and hopefully they can continue there strong play into this season.
I fewl Sutter did great with Dawes and Stralman I really think they will have good years.
The biggest thing is no more KEENAN, which is easily the biggest move.
I would say it's more like replacing Keenan with Sutter gives us a much better coach.
I would say Keenan's time has passed him by. He is coaching in an entirely different era. The game is much more of an exact science than it has ever been before.
Sutter (B) seems to understand that. He brings the confidence and conviction it takes to function in this environment.
And I really like the fact that Sutter (B) makes a more thorough use of his players. Getting Parise to perform, and the back-up goalies both being very involved and successful like he did in New Jersey are keys for this club imho. I get the feeling Sutter (B) will not play favorites and he believes in developing talents. I have often thought that Kiprusoff needs to be pushed. I believe he can fulfill the role but he needs to feel pressure. Some have said he had two big years under Sutter and it may not be pressure he needs. Either way, Kipper is going to have a very strict, disciplined coach, the system will be stronger, and Sutter won't hesitate to use his back-ups.
Different world now Kipper. Hope you can pull it together.
Keenan's weaknesses were evident during the playoffs; Regehr's injury hurt us so much because he provides a calming leadership to the flames, he is able to calm the flames particularly the defensemen down. This causes the entire team to calm down in tough situations and play smarter simpler hockey.
Keenan needed to step up during the playoffs and he did not, every time we to calm down before getting pumped up you seen Keenan loosing control of himself on the bench which caused the players to get pumped up before they calmed down and of course the players played stupid hockey.
I never was a huge fan of Keenan coming her with Regehr and Iginla on the team we have two big leaders and with that you need a CEO and not a King, a CEO needs to surround himself with the best and manage and lead with confidence. A king needs to lead with an iron will. This is why he is Iron Mike. When I see someone upsetting a calm and confident goalie like Kipper. It does not bold well for a team like the flames, that is why I welcome Brent Sutter and hope he is 3/4s of what his brother is.
This is one thing that has really been bugging me all offseason. People really seem to have short memories regarding Kipper. His numbers weren't good. No doubt about that at all. However there were many games where he made that big save to preserve a lead or keep the game tied that we managed to win. When the flames went on the big winning streak midway through the season Kipper was great. Don't know why everyone is forgetting that.
Beginning of the year he got off to his slow start as usual and the end of the year he didn't play well at all. With all the injuries and with the defence really struggling I can forgive his end of the year play. Start of the season though he needs to be better and hopefully this year he can do that. He needs to be more consistant this year and hopefully with the improvement of the defence he can do that.
You are right in your post. But a fact that needs to be pointed out here is Kipper's huge contract. The way he is being paid, he should be expected to be performing equal to the Luongo's and Broduer's of the league. And last season my friend, he did not. And even though our team defence was bad last year, Kipper as a whole was not a consistant goaltender was just a good goalie who made some spectacular saves at times.
Although, I do not believe he is washed up at all and is done. Look at Bulin, goaltenders tend to be able to play at an elite level far further into their careers than any other position in hockey. I am optimistic Kipper can still dominate the game.
You are right in your post. But a fact that needs to be pointed out here is Kipper's huge contract. The way he is being paid, he should be expected to be performing equal to the Luongo's and Broduer's of the league. And last season my friend, he did not. And even though our team defence was bad last year, Kipper as a whole was not a consistant goaltender was just a good goalie who made some spectacular saves at times.
Although, I do not believe he is washed up at all and is done. Look at Bulin, goaltenders tend to be able to play at an elite level far further into their careers than any other position in hockey. I am optimistic Kipper can still dominate the game.
I can agree with that consistency for sure was an issue for Kipper. Looked dominant for a few games and then had a couple of stinkers. He didn't have a great season. Still though at times throughout the season he showed he can still dominate and I just feel like the majority of fans have forgot that. Just like you I am optimistic and I still feel he can be an elite goalie in the league.
I see no one remembers the 6 game losing streak the Devils went on in March last year. I remember the NJ media calling for Sutters head. It's not like we are gonna become instantly immune to inconsistency, just because Brent Sutter is our coach.
I sense we will have a more complete team with Sutter. Keenan, despite all is flaws did have the team performing VERY well at certain points of the season. Sutter will have his challenges, but i just believe he will get more mileage out of this team. I'm encouraged and i think we can have success beyond the first round.
I see no one remembers the 6 game losing streak the Devils went on in March last year. I remember the NJ media calling for Sutters head. It's not like we are gonna become instantly immune to inconsistency, just because Brent Sutter is our coach.
Teams are going to have their ups and downs. That New Jersey was by no means a gifted, dominating group that could afford to go into a game taking a win for granted. It was a team building towards something though.
The Flames are not a team that can take for granted that they will win night in and night out. They need to develop more of that swagger. When they do, if they do, they will be more balanced and capable night in and night out. Sutter (B) may be able to do that more effectively than Keenan could. He can definitely claim that the team seems to believe in him more than they believed in Keenan.
So in that way, the Flames have managed to addressed one of those niggling concerns.
Another thing to consider is the fact that there had been a fair amount of speculation about Sutter not returning to the Devils. That too may have gotten to the players. I would imagine that would tend to pull your team apart. Something to consider.
I think Jokinen will have a great year this season and I don't know why I just do. I think he will gel with a line, maybe not even Iginla and I think he will have a solid year.
