I really feel that the Flames are suffering from a few things:
Players "traded" that remain
Frolik, Brodie, Jankowski, Bennett - Can't be much motivation to play for a team that had traded you and now you're expected to give it your all when you know you aren't wanted. Professionals or not, that has to have some impact.
Tkachuk getting paid:
I strongly feel JG is being a little whiner and pouting that Tkachuk was paid above the "Gio" cap that was used effectively to keep him at a reasonable number. It's the big ole FU to the team, "I had to come in less, and then you bend for him?". Right or wrong, this is probably weighing on the situation.
Smith and Neal:
While Neal didn't pan out here, I think he had the attitude (more so Smith I think) to get these guys out of the whoa is me mentality and pull up their panties when things get tough. Smith had that, his glares, he held people accountable. Neal I thought had that, but he pouted like the best of them when he wasn't gifted top 2 line minutes.
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