Well the sentiment in this thread indicates that Flames shouldn't even bother playing the remaining games despite being 3 points from a playoff spot. Just forfeit all them and start golfing early.
I think some of this stems from even if they make the playoffs, they believe they will get crushed. And to that I say you take making the playoffs far too much for granted. All 16 teams that make it have a chance at getting to the cup. Even if it's a very low chance, there's only one team that's gonna win it all, while the other 15 end the season unhappy. Why not take the chance to be the one with a happy ending? Even if Flames get swept, they at least took a shot, and get some playoff revenue.
I'm sure Buffalo who hasn't made playoffs in 13 years would love to finally get back. If Flames miss this year, don't assume that the Flames are going to return to them in the next several years either. The plan going forward may not work, and a non-playoff drought could start.
And drafting is a crapshoot. If Flames end up getting a draft pick several positions higher than they would've making the playoffs and exiting first round, there's no guarantee that player would be better than the one they would've picked with the later pick.
So in saying all that, Flames are not at the bottom of the standings were they have no choice but to sell and hope for a high pick. They have just as good of a chance of making the playoffs as several teams that are in a spot currently. There's no guarantee those teams above will keep pace, which could help Flames. While that's the case, it'll be foolish to give up on the season now.
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