A bottom five finish this season is expected, and given the team management have handed Hartley, it wouldn't reflect well on them if they turfed him this season.
2015-16, I expect the Flames will still be hovering around the bottom five in the standings. Most of the talented young forwards will still be in their 1st and 2nd years in the NHL, and there's nothing on the horizon to suggest the defence corps is going to improve internally. That's where we'll see if Hartley's message is wearing off or if he has the commitment and loyalty of the young players. If he does, then despite the bottom five finish I expect he'll be kept on.
2016-17 is where the brass will expect to see improvement in the standings. If the Flames aren't in striking distance of a playoff spot by Christmas, I expect Hartley would take the fall.
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Originally Posted by fotze
If this day gets you riled up, you obviously aren't numb to the disappointment yet to be a real fan.
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