Flames are 5 points out of first in the division.
There isn't a powerhouse in the division. There isn't a powerhouse in the conference(if Colorado gets really going, watch out). They could give anyone in the West a good series.
This is why you don't call for rebuilds, this is why you don't call for minus Bedard points, this is why you don't call for the coaches head after the odd crappy loss here or there.
On the same token, a OT win vs CBJ is obviously not some pre-cursor to labelling them a bonafide contender. They're not Boston. Obviously.
But they are in the mix in what's a very competitive division/conference and you don't just throw away opportunities at the playoffs by tanking, making massive changes or some of the other crap that was being spewed a couple weeks ago after the CHI and STL OTL's.
|