Well, this is a rebuilding squad. That is what keeps me going.
Name one team that went through a rebuild and hasn't had a really terrible year. I can't really name one off the top of my head. Even the 4th last place finish when they got Bennett out of it was a fairly enjoyable season, and IIRC, the Flames were closer to 8th spot in the conference than last in terms of points.
So last year they over-achieved. This year, they are underachieving. Can anyone really state they thought this team was a contender? I don't think so.
In the end, this is still a heck of a nice core to be building around. Loads of talent, and also tonnes of depth. Just need to add a little bit to the core, and have them mature a little bit.
I just look at it as being a bit 'spoiled' during the rebuild in not having a really terrible year. NHL tying record in most 1 goal games 2 seasons ago, followed by a season in which they snuck into the playoffs in year 2 of the rebuild, and now in year 3 we have had our expectations too high based on the preceding seasons.
In the end, this is a rebuilding squad that is definitely showing itself to be in the midst of a rebuild. As a fan, how do I manage to enjoy the rebuild? Watching the future core developing - and they have. Gaudreau is sensational. Monahan is not doing so well - some inconsistencies for sure this year, but still putting up points on the board. Bennett is really starting to look like a thoroughbred. Hamilton has been consistently improving. Brodie - well, for the first time this year, I thought he looked human. Was starting to think he was some sort of infallible cyborg out there.
If this is the penance for not having a single bad year, well, so be it. Maybe the carrot at the end of this is an Auston Mathews, or Laine, or Puljavari (or however you spell it - wasn't following this draft class so closely this year - but if the Flames continue faltering, that is something to be more interested and invested in), and really finish off the 'bad years' of a rebuild. I can live with that.
Heck, this still easily destroys how terrible most of the 90's were for me as a fan. Back then, you knew you were essentially a farm team. When your players showed they could become great players, you knew they were bound for the NYR's and other American teams that could afford them. Now I at least know that as these kids start maturing and becoming great players, they are more than likely to remain here for a decade or two. That makes a bad season or two much, MUCH more bearable.
Besides, these bad seasons make the good ones that much more enjoyable.
/end eternal optimist rant
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