Considering expectations at the start of the season, this is absolutely gravy. That said, this team should never put itself so far behind the 8-ball again that we should EXPECT anything more than a 2-year hiatus from the playoffs. Remember, 2 years ago at this time (at the official beginning of the rebuild, and in our 4th year w/o playoffs) most of us were still expecting at least another 3-4 seasons before playoff contention.
I hope management has learned that it's better to cut losses early and get in & out of the "valleys" quicker. If the downhill side of the Iginla years weren't enough evidence, hopefully an up-close view of Vancouver's experience will be enough. I want my "gravy" to be Stanley-Cup flavoured, rather than simply considering it gravy to be IN the playoffs.
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