In direct contrast to my previous post, here's a quote from new Flames Ass. GM Jay Feaster today:
"I know the trend now is maybe you don't need that world-class goalie," he said. "I still think you build from the net out and I think it's one of the strong suits of this team -- the fact we have a world-class goaltender and we have a solid blue-line. That is one of the things that makes this attractive because I think the pieces are in place."
Sigh. No. No, no, no. The idea that "building from the net out" is a sound strategy in the current environment is a pernicious falsehood. Goaltending is an incredibly abundant, incredibly cheap commodity in the post lock-out NHL. It's also the toughest to properly predict. That's why committing a lot of money in net isn't a good idea anymore. Skilled forwards, on the other hand, drive things like scoring and possession which are must haves.
It's true that the Flames have a strong back-end and decent goalie (...maybe). However, their huge commitment in dollars and cap space to those areas of the organization has largely proven to be a weakness (with perhaps one exception) since Sutter took over, given the club's near total inability to build a strong, self-sustaining group up front.
Now, it's entirely possible that Feaster is speaking as a politician to the press here and is merely ingratiating himself with his new boss and fan base. That said, it doesn't fill me with hope.
