On the "losing culture" topic ...
The risk is not that players (or coaches) will start to think losing is acceptable. The risk is that they'll start to believe that it's inevitable. Every member of every NHL team think that he, individually, has what it takes to be a part of a championship. So the question that has to go through their minds is, why don't WE, as a team, manage to win more games?
A "winning culture" team is one that tries to find the answers within. They work to get better individually, and as a team, without waiting for the next "savior" to come along. This team is already thinking about next year, and treating the last 20 games as an extended pre-season to start learning how to win together.
A "losing culture" team is one that waits for help...that only believes they'll be better next year after "something" happens, whether that's a new coach, high draft pick, UFA signing, or fancy new arena. This team is really only playing out the string.
So what are the Flames doing? Are the forwards and defense corps just playing out the string while waiting for a competent goalie to magically appear next September? Are they going through the motions hoping for a new coaching staff? Are they playing for individual contracts? Does Bob's choice of starting goalie affect that?
Man...I wish I knew.
|