Hitting, Shot Differentials and Variance
Kent Wilson
March 07 2013 01:10PM
A couple of things running through my head between Flames games today. The first topic has to do with hitting and winning versus shooting and winning. The second topic is on how advanced analysis in hockey is gaining prominence (but is still obviously misunderstood).
What To Do With Jay Bouwmeester?
Kent Wilson
March 06 2013 08:54AM
The topic of trading one or both of Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff will grow in stature the closer were get to the trade deadline, but another name that may start popping up in trade rumors is Jay Bouwmeester. The 29-year old defender has had a strong start to the season offensively (for the first time in his tenure here) and is a top-10 defender in terms of even strength ice time per game. During the summer there was talk of trying to move the erstwhile Panther, mainly to get rid of his onerous cap hit, but come April 3 he could be one of the most sought after assets on the trade market.
Flames With and Without Backlund
Kent Wilson
March 05 2013 01:51PM
Mikael Backlund has been injured since the 8th game of the season. He is scheduled to return sometime this month and the team has played about 10-games without him, so let's take a look at what his return might mean for the club.
Sideways - Flames 3 Game Roadtrip is Pivotal
Kent Wilson
March 05 2013 10:39AM
Believe it or not, the season is almost half way over for the Flames already. They sit tied for 12th in the West with Colorado and Edmonton, four points back of the 8th spot which is currently held by the Minnesota Wild. Sports Club Stats suggests the cut-off point will be about 55 points to make the post-season (or a record of 16-9-3) and that the Flames have about a 25% chance of making the cut.
Random Thoughts - Post ROR Debacle
Kent Wilson
March 04 2013 10:58AM
Although nothing has materially changed for the Flames recently, it has nevertheless been quite the roller-coaster ride for Calgary fans and management over the last four or five days. Where ever you fall on the "blame Feaster" spectrum, it's clear the failed Ryan O'Reilly bid blew up spectacularly in the organization's face. Absent Chris Johnston's revelation about the O'Reilly's waiver eligiblity, Feaster and company are congratulated for the effort and everyone moves on. Now, the front office has to bury it's head and ride out a public relations nightmare, hoping perhaps the team on the ice enjoys a winning streak and the entire kerfuffle blows over.
