State of the Union Flames Style

I was so politely reminded that again I did not do a blog when the Flames won a hockey game.  I really have a good topic on this blog  So far, the Flames are 8 games above 500. Why?

I mean, I could go over the obvious reason, easily picking out the strongest players, but it’s not so much the players as it is the system.  Simply put, the man is Mr. Sutter. He has developed a system that works, and if the Flames follow the system, they are successful. Most people take this system as a trap, but it really isn’t. The Flames’ system cannot be that easy, can it?

Calgary’s main ingredient to success is simply defense first, offense second. Paper wise, their defense should be among the best, led by some guy named Jaybo, who leads the NHL with 50 minutes a game. Well, not really, but it sure seems like it.   The defense must play within their ability and stay within their zone, they’re fine.  If the defense can get the puck up to the forwards to clear the zone, they’re fine. But alas that would be too easy. They need to add some exciting moments to the game; meaning that sometimes plans go to awry.

So the responsibility goes to the forward, who should be coming back to cover their men, covering the entire zone.  The forwards must be very diligent in their defensive coverage. Most of the season they have been pretty good, coming back to help with the defense. Remember: defense first, offense second.  The Flames  have  to play the defensive zone 60 minutes a game.

The Flames have leaned that their success comes from hard work, and hard work involves hitting. If they hit, they are a lot better hockey team. The best example of this, plain and simple, is Iggy; he is often woken up when he gets hit, then starts hitting back. If Cory Sarich plays with a chip on his shoulder, he is one of the best out there. He plays the man and not the puck. If he knocks down the man with the puck, they cannot score, can they?  The Flames have to hit and finish their checks. Again, for the most part, they outhit their opponent. They have to be nasty.

So there you have it. The main reason why the Flames are 8 games over 500.  The Flames are beginning to buy into this. They bought into it on Wednesday, beating the Coyotes. This may not be the most exciting way to win a game, but guess what? Winning is not judged on style points.  I really do not care if people sleep through their games, as long as the Flames win.

Until next time

Take care

Randy