Nice road win by the Flames. I continually compare this team to the one three years ago that turned into a pumpkin at midnight. Despite having a lot of the same players, I feel this team has a better chance of playoff success than the 2018/19 team.
-Sutter is a better coach than Bill Peters
-Though Mike Smith couldn't be blamed for the early exit, I think the goaltending is better this time around
-The top line is better this time around. Having Tkachuk on the line instead of Monahan improves the overall skill level. Monahan was a great finisher playing with Gaudreau, but Tkachuk has all around skills and is a better playmaker.
-The 3rd and 4th lines are better this time around.
-I think the defensive units are is as good and maybe better. The more I see guys like Anderson and Kylington, the more impressed by how well they move the puck, and Hanafin and Tanev are very solid.. Even Zadorov and Gudbranson seem to be improving.
Short of an unbelievable meltdown, the Flames will be in the playoffs. They've shown they can hang with any of the top teams in the west, should be interesting.