I didn't read every page of this thread (been busy lately) - so I apologize in advance if this has been covered.
Has a comparable(s) been brought up before showing the following:
Finished last 1+ year(s)
Stable ownership
Spending above average at least
Solid ticket base
The reason I am asking, is that when I try to think of an example, the best one I can think of is the Nordiques - but they were struggling financially if memory serves (hence their move to Colorado).
Chicago attained success after they gained a more stable ownership that became committed to icing a good team.
Islanders are committed to finding loopholes to save themselves money.
Edmonton seems like a team that spends money, has a stable owner, has no trouble selling out, but have remained at the bottom of the standings for too long. I can't think of another team like that. St. Louis? But they are a budget team.
Columbus is the one that I most think of (though they have never finished that poorly and consistently as the Oilers have - you would think they would have less busts had they finished that low that often). I don't follow Columbus too much, but they seemed like a failure of an organization due to mismanagement more than any other reason.
Also, are the Oilers officially the 'worst team ever in the NHL? I mean in terms of how long they spent at the very bottom of the standings (29th last season included)? I remember reading something that they surpassed Quebec for most consecutive poor finishes in the standings.
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