10 Things to Watch: A Search for Consistency
In the past few seasons the team has struggled to find consistency over the 82-game schedule. Should the Flames want to earn home ice advantage at any point in the playoffs, a more consistent regular season performance will be required in 2008/09.
Two seasons ago was the hallmark of inconsistency for the Flames, earning 30 wins at home (better than even the President’s Trophy champion Detroit Red Wings) while only mustering 13 on the road. The result was an eighth place conference finish. Last season was a better split of home/road performances (21 wins each), but streaky performances earned the Flames only a 7th place seed in the playoffs. On both occasions the fate was a first round playoff exit.
A more consistent regular season performance this year could give the team a higher playoff seed, home-ice advantage, and a better start to the playoffs.
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 am
A perfect post after last night’s shellacking. How is it possible that the Flames can play so well one night, and the next night is a complete disaster?
If the Flames want to be classed as an elite team in the NHL, then they need to be able to play every game (home or away) with the same emotion and intensity.