Quote:
Originally Posted by nieuwy-89
Just can't stop thinking about what a wasted season this was. - core players healthy (except Markstrom for a short stint)
- Spending to the cap with key players on affordable contracts
- The "lessons" of the last two playoff losses fresh in mind
- Playing in a weak division
I was very optimistic when Sutter was hired that he would turn things around, they would squeak into the playoffs, and even win a round or two. The post-Sutter record says a lot about how this team is constructed and its ability to compete.
I hate the idea of a rebuild. They are messy. They often don't work (see Sabres, pre-McDavid Oilers). I don't think Calgary has the economy or hard-core fan support to financially weather an empty building for 3-4 years.
But I don't know what option the Flames have. The evidence is there - this core is done. Something is broken in that room. Bennett's break-out is evidence enough.
At this point, I hope the Flames do the following: - Shelve Markstrom, Gio, Monahan, and any players nursing injuries, for the remainder of the season.
- Call up the kids and inject some life into the lineup. Give us a reason to watch the games.
After the season, I don't know what the answer is. But changes are needed and they need to be significant. |
Yet Buffalo, New Jersey, Anaheim, Ottawa and Florida (for many years) do have the fanbase and economy to do this?
In 2019-2020, the Flames were 6th/31 in average attendance. In fact, from 2010 to 2020, the Flames were 6th/7th almost every year.
All of the other teams I just listed were in the bottom 12 last year.
Even Edmonton doesn't compare to Calgary economically.
Calgary's total GDP in 2021: 129,953
Edmonton's total GDP in 2021: 96,107
Calgary economy is more than 30% larger... In fact, Calgary's GDP is almost as high as the metro-Vancouver area (145,892).
If the team doesn't want to rebuild, it's an ownership problem, not a fanbase/city problem.