I think it's safe to say that after what felt like years of searching for what this team was, we finally have found our identity
It's been said before and I have no problems repeating it. This team will not be outworked and will compete every single night. The amount of one goal games this team has been involved with this year has been astonishing (sorry I don't have an official tally) I have to give major kudos to Hartley and the coaching staff for getting this team ready to play every single night. It started by having the hardest working training camp this team has been put through for years and has continued all the way up to game 67.
I can honestly say I have no problems shelling out my hard earned money to go to the dome and watch a rebuilding team as long as they compete the way they are. I have been so utterly impressed with the effort shown and the heart by almost every single player on this team and coaching and even management. It's been awesome to see how players feed off each others energy and compete level every night. Last year if we were down 3-1 with 10 minutes to go, I would have almost zero faith that we could push for a comeback because you could see the quit. I am thrilled that is NOT the case this year.
What blows my mind is that we are only at half of the salary cap this season. I have a feeling this will be a quick rebuild especially knowing Brian Burke is not a patient guy. With a few good upcoming drafts, some key trades, and having this never quit attitude I believe this team will turn the corner a lot faster then the "young gun days" I am so glad we are not following the tank first model that Edmonton has instilled in it's organization.
Thank You Flames for instilling confidence in me during this rebuild and playing an exciting, fast, hard working style of hockey. I will always be there to support this team and you better believe you will not see any jerseys tossed on the ice like that team up north.
Cheers.