Quote:
Originally Posted by Macindoc
Please show me one recent Stanley Cup winner that tanked within 7 years of winning.
|
12 of the last 14 teams who have won the cup drafted a key player at #1/2 overall.
Avs, Lightning, Penguins, Blackhawks, Capitals, Kings
Even the Blues and Boston (the two teams who didn't draft a player 1/2 ) had high picks.. Pietrangelo at #3, Seguin and Wheeler for Boston (though they were lower role players at the time)
Tanking for success still requires player development, and time to gather secondary talent and build a competitor (explains your random 7 year deadline for success). But you have to squint really hard to pretend that drafting at the top isn't a key component of winning a cup, though its not the only requirement (still need complementary players and competent management/coaching)
Is tanking the right thing for the Flames NOW, no, we have players signed to long term deals that are essentially unmovable. This ensures we wont be at the bottom for a few years. Last summer was it a path we could have taken? yes absolutely and it may have been worth it, though at the time I was optimistic with the moves Brad made, and we are locked into that direction now for a least a few years. But to say tanking doesn't lead to winning is wrong, I would say its actually a critical step.
I for one hope the flames make it, and if we do I think we could be a tough out. Go flames go!