Well, I know the Flames are going to be hard to beat for any team. The thing is... you just have to solve the problem. Obviously, most teams who are going to play against them in the playoffs have to outwork them or else the Flames won't get beat. Last time when they beat us, it was only by 1 goal and we didn't have Bert (can't believe I'm saying this) then and Clouts was hurt. The Nucks can beat them if only they had heart and a work ethic. Not trading Bertuzzi this season is going to hurt us cause he's a cancer. He's dragging everyone down. When McCarthy left, he mentioned that the dynamics in the Nucks dressing room were bad. He didn't want to stay (even though his play was improving greatly). I think a lot of this has to do with Bertuzzi.
Just cause you won a hart doesn't mean you're going to ever reach that status or close to it again. You, like Gretzky and company, are judging players base on past performances and not present ones. The hart is not that much more valuable than the Veizna for a goalie. With Roy, Belfour, Vernon, they've always had good years. Even in their bad years, they weren't that bad, it was mainly the teams in front of them. In Theo's bad years, he's gone from bad to horrible. What makes you think he can just all of a sudden turn it around? Btw, he does play for a good team in front of him. The Habs, as a team, aren't that bad. If his contract wasn't so huge, then taking a risk on him won't matter. I can bet you that 90% plus of the GMs in the NHL would rather take Cloutier and his contract than Theo and his. I can't believe PL was so stupid in taking on Theo. I'll eat my words if Theo ever turns it around in Colorado, but I think it'll most likely be you eating your words. Btw Monkey, you don't seem to be a good judge of goalies (remember what u said about Auld?)
PS: We are slowly playing ourselves out of a playoff spot. Stupid first line and their lack of scoring. Our defense and goaltending looks good, but our offense went south. If we don't make the playoffs or if we do and lose in the 1st round, I can guarantee you Bert won't be around next season.