Quote:
Originally Posted by nieuwy-89
Two years ago we were ecstatic just to make the playoffs. However, the mood among Flames fans seems rather somber this time. I see three reasons:
1. Still burned by the fact we got swept by the Oilers this year (and let's face it, the Oilers look like the better team right now)
2. We are not the media darlings of Canadian NHL teams. With 5 Canadian teams likely in the playoffs, storylines abound, and so attention of media and casual fans is more dispersed.
3. With a .500 record in our last 10 games we are limping into the playoffs rather than storming in.
I'm as hopeful as the next fan. But I admit that a first round match up against Chicago, Anaheim, and even Edmonton, does not give me huge feelings of optimism.
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1. The Flames were playing their worst hockey of the season when they played those 4 games against the Oilers, which was very fortunate for Edmonton. Oilers have also had a LOT of things go their way lately, including a few gifted PPs late in games. Sure they've played well, but a better team than the Flames? Nope. The two teams have the same number of wins, fer christ sakes. If we did face them in the playoffs, I think the Flames' superior depth would win out in the end, and we'd take them in 6 or 7 games. Outside of McDavid, there's no reason whatsoever to be afraid of that smoke and mirrors team.
2. I honestly don't think anybody cares that we aren't the media darlings of the league. I know I certainly don't.
3. I wouldn't say they're limping into the playoffs by any means. Flames have had arguably one of the tougher schedules down the stretch with games against the Caps, Preds, Blues, two games against the Ducks, and a desperate Kings team back on March 29th. Being .500 in their last 10 is actually pretty good considering their competition during that stretch. I have no doubt this team will be ready for the playoffs no matter who we end up facing.
There are some veteran guys on this team who have plenty of playoff experience, and the young guys had a taste of it in 2015, so they know what it's gonna take. Sure there's a good chance they'll lose to Chicago or Anaheim, but I'm still optimistic that these guys have all the necessary tools to pull off an upset. This is a good hockey club we have here. Are they elite? No, not yet. But they're pretty damn close. I'm excited to see what they can do.