In a roundabout way, in the long run it may be good for the team to have had that early success this year, only to struggle in the second half.
For the first time in this very young rebuild, there were expectations. People were talking about how good the Flames actually are. They were the early cinderella story.
But realistically. It shouldn't be that easy. This is the NHL. A first year Gaudreau, a second year Monahan and a come out of nowhere Jooris shouldn't really be among the top 5 forwards on a playoff bound team. That doesn't mean they aren't good and on their way to being great players, its just that it doesn't really happen that fast unless you are among the select few great players in the game.
That's why Treliving's cautious tone resonated for me. The early success has been exciting, but stay the course. Protect the youngsters, groom the culture and don't mortgage the future. Anything on top of that is just gravy.
My only gear grinder is the inevitable "I told you so's" That will definitely stick in my craw.
The season isn't even half over yet, there are many stories yet to be written. What is awesome is that win or lose it's still a fun team to watch.
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