Once they anointed Gerber the starter, he played well. They couldn't blame Emery anymore for the steady stream of losses.
This year may be just be an aberration. I remember in the 90s the Flames having a 70-point non-playoff year sandwiched between two 100-point years.
It seemed like everyone had an off-year that season (Fleury, Nieuwendyk, Roberts, MacInnis). But Flames management were smart not to over-react and blow up the team.
This year may just be an off-year for Ottawa. They had a goaltending controversy distracting them at first. They had a weak head coach in Paddock. And they had a multitude of injuries to key players.
I think they can regroup quite easily without too many adjustments. Emery'll be out just so the media can stop focusing on him.
a) They need second line scoring as smike alluded to. Fisher and Vermette are more 3rd line types. Cory Stillman may be too expensive. Anson Carter'd be cheap?
b) They need some toughness. A Raffi Torres type. Martin Lapointe was a good start.
c) They need better goaltending. Although I think they could stick with Gerber. He's adequate if he had enough offensive support.
d) They need to replace Redden, maybe with a leader. Maybe Jason Smith?
It shouldn't be too tough to shore up in those areas.
Posted on Apr 19, 2008, 11:08 AM from IP address 68.144.196.122