I want to take this opportunity to let you know that tiger blood will drip from the Flames chest in their quest for a playoff spot.
Direct Charlie Sheen reference there sorry.
In early January I was on
www.sportsclubstats.com checking the chances of the Flames making the playoffs, my memory is fuzzy but I believe it was like 2.7% or something. They would have to win 2/3 games to make it... At the time it was inconceivable. some loyal fans get to say, "I TOLD you they'd be in the running!' but I am not one of them. I counted this season as a write off and was in full sell metality. Wondering what the Flames would get in future prospects for the current group of total underacheivers.
Today it stands that if the Flames go 10-6-1 to end the season they will be a lock for the post season and now I can't imagine they fail to make it. I'm honestly still skeptical. When I look at the standings I see a lot of teams chasing with games in hand but really at the end of the day if you get 96 points you WILL be in the playoffs.
Honestly if the Flames want to unload free agents at the draft or make trades that would also be just as good of a time to do it. This is a weak draft or the first round picks they were probably offered would have been taken.
I will pose a question to you though. Modin and Carson were acquired for nothing so pose no risk. Fine. Modin is being brought in as a back up forward who can chip in and play fourth line minutes. Why did they waive Conroy then? Stats would have been similar to Modin. If we could afford to keep Kotalik and use the defence already in the system for the Playoffs like Pelech and Brodie why pick these guys up at all? I'm not saying they are bad moves but maybe not necassary. With the Dawes being paid his buy out cash, Kotalik in the minors etc....ownership is paying heavy. Modin is supposed to be a good team mate, what Conroy wasn't? Just a thought.
S>O>
Conroy to me was all locker room at the end. He had very little left to give on the ice. Modin in my opinion can be more of an impact player if used sparingly. If I can use a Baseball reference, Conroy is like bringing in Johnny Mac for the Jays, its safe but wont make much of an impact on most nights, where I see Modin could be very effective in certain situations
That is very true, by the same token isn't kotalik more useful? Say what you will about him he hits and can score. Not 3 mil worth but why make that move? There remains the possibility kotalik will be recalled for playoffs as well.
Well then I would say it probably boils down to, there is a familiarity between Feaster and Modin. The GM feels more comfortable with Freddie and what he brings (which includes a ring), and hey there is often more than one injury during the playoffs, they could both end up playing substantial minutes. Assuming they are in the dance.
Freddie modin >ponikorosky
Was in sell camp as well but Feaster gained lots of respect with important people going forward with letting them see this thru. Will be interesting summer.
Yes the players have to be somewhat grateful for the opportunity. If the Flames do miss the playoffs I think they very much redeemed themselves at any rate.
I agree I like modin though conroy was good but modin brings a bigger presence. But picking up carson didn't make sense when pelech and brodie are in the minors.
C'mon now....Love Conroy but he is done. Modin has seven goals this season... also Carson is a D-man whom the Flames have scouted, and that pick up may not be a rental...
Exactly Modin is most likely a rental unless he has a great stretch here and is big in the playoffs and I thing Mr Harvey is bang on in saying Carson was yes a depth move for the playoffs but I get the feeling that Feaster likes this kids game, and if it doesn't pan out let him walk.
On that note though I agree with Feaster in that the playoffs or very late in the season when its all on the line, is not an appropriate time for rookies to be cutting their teeth in the NHL. Rookies are under enough pressure to begin with, plus being a defense man, plus a playoff push or even the playoffs. Yes a few rise to the occasion, but most don't.