NHL Offseason: All 10 weeks of it

[notyoueither]

Who said Sutter is a bad coach?

[Asher]

Sava.

I'm also pretty glad about this in a way. Sutter is a great GM, in my opinion, and certainly has an eye for talent. The past couple years he's whined a bit that he doesn't have enough time to watch for fresh meat enough himself due to the coaching job, and now he will.

Here's hoping Playfair delivers.

[notyoueither]

There's the danger for the Flames.

Sutter has done very well doing both jobs.

Now he gives up one of them. Do the players still buy into the Sutter system when it is Playfair coaching them?

Maybe they don't have to, considering Calgary is improved while three divisional rivals are far from ready for the next season.

[Asher]

If the Flames end up sucking, it wouldn't be out of the question for Sutter to come back in the second half, I'd reckon. He is the GM.

[Tingkai]

So Sutter will be back in the second half, eh.

[Asher]

That reminds me:

Calgary posted a 46-25-11 record this year

Want to tell us how Sutter's system doesn't work in the 'new' NHL? Compare this year's record to before the lockout for fun.

[Tingkai]

Yeah, it worked really well in the playoffs.

And it is true that the Flames used to suck big times. In the past 10 played seasons, the Flames missed the playoffs seven times. So I guess anything will be an improvement.

The problem for the Flames is they haven't done much to improve the team. Sure they added Tanguay, but his scoring will drop in the Flames defensive system. Besides, adding one offensive talent won't solve the Flames problems.

The only hope the Flames have for the regular season is if the other teams in their division suck as much as they do.

[Asher]

The NW division was the most competitive last season, which you may not know seeing as you don't watch hockey.

The Calgary team was solid from top to bottom last season, with the exception of some lacking offense and a competent linemate for Iggy. That's been solved.

Calgary didn't need to massively improve their team like Toronto did (and still does, really). Calgary is fielding the most competitive Canadian team next season, there's really no question about it.

I like your signature. Considering that the Leafs were still decades without a cup when the Flames entered the league.

[notyoueither]

My money would be on Ottawa of all the Canadian teams.

Of course, they would need an anti-choke remedy, but still on paper they are the best team.

[Asher]

Are they really? Look at what they've lost.

I don't think very much of them next season, nor do most people I've seen in the recent TSN.ca poll on it.

They are a lesser team this year than last, and I believe Calgary is a better team this year than last.

[notyoueither]

They're still twice as good, on paper, as any other Canadian team.

[Asher]

If you say so. They don't play very well as a team, people like Chara and Hasek went a long way to assuring they did well. And they're gone.

[Tingkai]

Originally posted by Asher
The NW division was the most competitive last season, which you may not know seeing as you don't watch hockey.

Actually, I got to see some games, but a week or two delayed. Ottawa was the most dominating, and exciting team to watch, from what I saw. Ended up watching more of the Flames than the Leafs (bar owner is a Canucks fan).

As for the idea that Calgary doesn't have much of a problem, that's exactly the team's problem. They're in denial. The difference between the Leafs and the Flames last year waas just one round of hockey. The Flames need to confront their demons.

Toronto has done that by getting stronger in net, stronger on the blue line and stronger behind the bench.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Tingkai
As for the idea that Calgary doesn't have much of a problem, that's exactly the team's problem. They're in denial.

46-25-11. 'nuff said.

There are many reasons for Calgary's first-round exit from the playoffs this year, but none of them are fundamental team issues a la Toronto.

[Ninot]

Montreal may not look much improved for next year, but I predict we will be the Anaheim of last year.

Lots of up and coming strong talent that will suprise.