[Cali Panthers Fan]

Thanks to the OP for finding some perspective in all this. I agree to some extent that it's not the worst thing in the world, and that good teams miss the playoffs all the time. I don't think that's the case this year, but there are many years where that's the case.

While I don't think missing the playoffs the odd year is that bad, missing the playoffs regularly IS bad, and it shows that a team isn't doing the things it needs to in order to become a perennial playoff calibre club. With the parity in the league, it shouldn't take a very long time to make the playoffs. There are opportunities for clubs to build quickly and become legitimate contenders.

I cite the example of both the Dallas Stars and the Florida Panthers. The Stars were in the group of "decent, but not good enough" for years and years, and the Panthers were perennially in the basement. A few good drafts, some shrewd free agent signings and trades, and all of a sudden both teams are division winners with a legitimate chance at the cup. Point is, you have to be active if you're going to get better, which is why teams like Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Colorado etc. have been such a disappointment. These teams largely stood pat in the off-season, or signed guys that were no better than place-holders. Status quo for a team often means a slow death. This is why I'm hoping Treliving makes significant moves in the off-season to address the serious areas of weakness on this team. The good news is, if anyone can do it, Brad can.