As the Flames languish in 32 place there are a few key reasons why the almost playoff team is worst in the league: too many passengers.
If the Flames were interested in putting the best team on the ice game in and game out you would see a few changes. Take for example the game against Winnipeg. Another loss, albeit for a loser point.
- Scoring is a huge problem. Players without confidence, without speed, without skill. Not a winning combination. Indecision and special teams continue to crash offence. Even in the shootout 0-3 with a defenceman shooting. That’s also stupid coaching.
- Individual players. Connor Zary is slowly playing himself off the team. Too slow, not big, highly skilled. Not a winning combination to beat NHL defenders. Also caused the Winnipeg goal with a stupid penalty. Not great from someone barely putting in 10 minutes a game.
- Defensive lapses. Kevin Bahl is having a rough year doing his own thing and not using his size. Second goal was his fault. Way out of position for no reason. On the flip side, the Kuznetsov experiment is working. Flames have found their new Chris Tanev.
- Why is Lomberg playing? Doesn’t contribute on the ice. He can be a cheerleader from the pressbox. Given he was in the pressbox three years ago with Florida, but barely misses a game here, shows you about the lack of depth. With Klapka turning it on and deserving more ice-time, Lomberg needs to take a seat.
We’ll see what the lineup looks like next game. I suspect Zary will be given another chance on the 3rd line on wing. Klapka will stay on the 4th, and the 1st and 2nd lines will be given the same opportunities to do nothing. Special teams won’t change either.
Fans have all but accepted that this year is a write off and although the team is unlikely to pull out of 32nd, they are just as unlikely to net the 1st overall draft pick. The odds just don’t fall in favor of the loser Flames.