I really don't see how a team composed of the vast majority of the players above dominated the league last year. Doesn't seem believable

It really doesn't help when you have a player of Panarin caliber (Johnny was pacing for 117 points before 18/19 All Star) play the season like a Drouin caliber player

I'd argue Gio was their MVP in 18-19 but ok

The Lucic - Bennett - Dube line put up 3/4 points in the scrimmage yesterday. Hope they test it out a bit more.

Well that too, Honestly the entire team took a step back this year

Buddy Robinson on the top line huh?

Ok then....

What happened? Coaching? Players playing over their head in 18-19? The lack of a true 2C? Gio's offensive capabilities dropping? Shaky goaltending? A combination of all of the above?

Backlund is a 2C

Combination of a lot of things, for a majority of the season last year Calgary was within 2-5 points of Tampa but got complacent in the last 2 months. That complacency carried into the playoffs against a really hot Colorado team. This year started, Gio took a step back after his best year ever, team had a really rough November then the Bill Peters incident took place. We went on a 7 game win streak after that then had another streak in January that got us back in the chase but the horrible start to the year really hindered the team. There was also Brodie having the seizure on the ice and Hamonic being out for a while. Not to mention Valimaki out for the year when he was projected to be on a similar caliber to Hughes (might be a bit of a reach now but I would say he can at least be as good as Sandin). Gaudreau's Uncle was also hospitalized all year, ended up passing away in February (his family is really close knit).

I think it's safe to say Flames probably over performed last year but under performed this year, they are likely somewhere in the middle and probably missing a piece or 2. That could include a top end coach or a top 6 center. I think If Flames can find a way to have Backlund playing 3C without loosing depth on the wings they can compete for the cup.