The trajectory of this team over the last five years was entirely predictable. When you have more core players over 30 than under 28, that's what happens - you decline. And when you have a team that has demonstrated since Darryl Sutter stopped coaching that it will not consistently outwork its opponents, you shouldn't be surprised that it doesn't win when the going gets tough.
The fact people around here are still blaming Brent Sutter just shows that a lot of Flames fans are still delusional about this franchise. I don't think he was a great coach, but he didn't have a lot to work with, either in talent or in character.
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