New article posted today at One Puck Short blog.
http://onepuckshort.wordpress.com/20...p-for-success/
Here is an excerpt:
Calgary Setting Themselves Up For Success
In Bob Hartley they also have a veteran coach whose ability to ‘connect’ with his roster is perhaps second to none – turning what some considered a ‘rag tag’ bunch in to one of the league’s hardest working outfits.
Hartley won a Stanley Cup with Colorado, but also took Atlanta to it’s first (and only) play-off appearance in 2007 – displaying much of the same tactical ability again, as he draws the best from players like Joe Colborne whilst helping revive the teams fortunes.
The Flames have some way to go – they are after all in the ultra competitive Western Conference battling it out with some of the toughest Divisional rivals possible, including the defending Stanley Cup champions.
But the foundations are, for the most part, in place.
If they continue along this path, it’s hard to believe the club won’t be on the play-off bubble in a year or two. And once you’re in the fight, free agents start to look at clubs differently – opening up the chance to add a little star power to the mix.
Whilst other clubs in ‘rebuild mode’ have endured some very public ups and downs, the Flames have quietly reinvented themselves – so don’t be shocked to see them playing well in to spring again before too long.