[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

In this day and age, with so much parity, what does it really mean to miss the playoffs? Does really mean the same as it did even 10 years ago? I'm not trying to be obtuse, from a fan perspective I understand just how much less fun it is to miss, and of course I understand that you can't accomplish the actual goal of a cup if you don't get in. But from a bigger picture perspective of team progression, is missing the playoffs really the indication it would have been years ago that the Flames for example aren't progressing to a contender after making it last year.

I don't think so at all. With so much parity now, the difference between this years cup winner and all teams except the Leafs and Oilers has never been smaller. D.Sutter's old adage that you really just need to get in has finally in my opinion become true. Consider this:

- 3 of this years Division regular season winners missed last season.
- One of last seasons regular season Division winners missed this year.
- Last season the defending cup champions missed, then responded this year with a #1 seed.

I'm sure there are list of other stats to give as well. Point being, as a fan it sucks to miss, but I actually think the Flames are still right on track with this rebuild and that playoff experience gained last year by our young core is going to payoff huge next time we get in!