Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
I'm saying that every player does feel that way about the organisation right now, and if the Flames throw in Bennett down the stretch and it doesn't work out, they will then start to question whether what you said above is a true statement that can be made about the Flames organization.
They won't "blame Bennett", you are likely right, but they will blame the Flames for not sticking to their always earned never given mantra. These are competitive athletes, and I assure you it doesn't matter two licks to them what Bennett has accomplished at the OHL level, they aren't going to view his OHL stats are him earning a spot on this team at game 79, unless it really works out. All they will see is a guy who hasn't played a pro game and hasn't proven #### took a spot from someone with pro experience who has earned it all year long. Trust me, even the Raymond or the Shore's of the world aren't sitting here right now going, well that Bennett guy is better than me right now at hockey, hope they call him up and he takes my spot, cause that's what's good for the team. Everyone in that dressing room right now has proven something at the NHL level, and that's all that matters to them.
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And it's up to management to work with those player(s) who get sat to find their next gear. Even if they've been proving it year round, that doesn't excuse that majority of the forwards have not stepped it up for the last week or so. They're competitive athletes and I look forward to seeing them work harder to demonstrate that they're an professional NHLer who puts team success over their own. If they want to be a part of that team success, it'll be up to them to continually demonstrate at every opportunity.