I am not upset with the team not competing for Lord Stanley this year. I am upset with the lack of development in the young core, and the lack of identity this team seems to be mired in.
That 1.5 seasons where the Flames played hard almost every night, and for the full 60 minutes - win or lose - was the team showing a clear direction that I could really get behind. That was also a very likeable team. This year - and arguably some stretches last year - they were more reminiscent of the post-04 Flames. Remember when Feaster astutely called it a disease? It seems like the Flames are once again infected with it.
When you see basically the entire core take a giant step back, see how little fight this team has, and openly start questioning the work ethic, it becomes discouraging. I have no issues with the time line, 4,5,6,7....that's OK with me, as long as I am seeing progression. The Oilers were a complete joke because there was zero progression for too long. Not only are the Flames not showing progression, but it seems like they are showing regression, especially with the young core.
One or two young kids regressing? That's fine and is almost expected. All of them? Unacceptable.
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