Todd Cordell: Three ways the Calgary Flames could benefit from the long pause

Thx Todd. Good points.

I feel like the underperformance thing is overlooked in Calgary's favour.

Almost every player (exceptions being AM88, DR33 and MT19) had off years. IF the team can capture some of the 2018-19 season offensive magic prior to the all-star break along with a better defensive corps due to the additions of Gus and Forbort then they can be a legit cup threat.

Not to mention Ritter came out the gate flying and slowed down later. Based on his interviews he sounds like he's confident again and the minor injury he had is history.

Don't count out the Flames - they definitely have the tools if they can find the confidence again

Worst case they get blown out and the team gets overhauled which they likely need if they underperform again.

Just to poke a slight hole in your theory on St Louis no longer having home ice advantage. Yes, atmosphere does factor in to some extent. But, the advantages that come with being the home team are more likely responsible for such a dominant record. Well executed game management (coaching) with last change cannot be underestimated.

Unpopular opinion: I would probably use Valimaki in the playoffs, expansion draft be damned!

1. Before his injury in the offseason I would have bet money on Valimaki being regarded as one of our top 3 dman this season, possibly top 2. Anyone who doesn't think this kid provides a significant upgrade to our blueline has already forgotten how this kid plays!

2. He was nearing 100% before the season was delayed--he should be ready to go now. I would also put money on him being the hungriest player on our team with all this uncertainty---there's no way he didn't see this virus as an opportunity to get back into the lineup this year (he was probably resigned to the fact that he would most likely be held out from playing this season pre-covid 19).

3. It's win now mode, we're most likely going to lose 1 or both of Hamonic and Brodie next season and Gio isn't getting any younger. Worry about Seattle when the time comes.

Aren't the Flames one of the best road teams in the NHL?