The way to not be so bothered by losses like these is to focus on the rainbow with the pot of gold underneath it. Takes 82 games and a bit of lottery luck to get there, but believe me, there is gold there. You also try and find whatever storyline that is enjoyable, and just look for it more. Zary is almost always fun to watch now.
That call against Coleman was bad. There were some bad calls this game. Flames didn't get the calls, and they didn't get the bounces either. They had a decent start, though they were allowing the better chances. Arizona (and the refs!) just seemed to wear them down.
One thing I don't understand is why choose to play Klapka in certain games over others? This was a prime game to play him - Arizona is a big team, and it showed tonight in the puck battles and net-front battles. There is a lot of size there. Klapka wouldn't have changed the outcome of this game or anything, but if you are going to play him, play him against big teams. That's what I would do anyway. It isn't about fighting or intimidation - it is about helping to win some board battles, helping to establish a bit of a net-front presence, etc. Just helps.
This is a bottom 3 team by the looks of it. I don't really want any player above 25 re-signed. This season will be hard. I expected hard. Hopefully we can see hardworking more often than not, but these losing skids will get ugly I think. Pot of gold at the end.
Hagens, Misa, McQueen, Frondell - any of these names added to Parekh and the already deep prospect pool that Calgary has will help to completely change this team around. It is admirable to not rebuild and go around saying that Calgary has never picked 1st (or top 3). Heck, maybe that will still be a thing after the next two drafts. Calgary just needs to find 2 high-end centres for a top line and a second line, and I am confident that they will find a sexy Backlund 2-way type of forward replacement for when he retires.
No matter how ugly, boring and terrible it gets, I watch from start to finish. I have seen loads of terrible Flames hockey since 81. It just makes me appreciate it so much more when this team really is good. Season just started. it is going to be a long grind, but I am going to find a way to enjoy every single game other than the one or two I will end up missing for whatever reason. I will have a lot of cheers saved up for when this team is good again.
Enjoy the wins, and look for the pot of gold in the losses. That will keep you going. Keeps me going anyway. 2 first round picks this upcoming draft again, 2 more next draft (or possible 1 this year, 3 the following, depending on conditions). Flames will be able to afford taking long-shots and risks with high end ceilings. Losing is never enjoyable. I can't stand it. So frustrating and annoying. I have just learned to accept bad seasons as they make the great seasons even more special.
/rah rah cheerleader rant
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