Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
A lot of people talk about Chicago as a model tank coming out of the lockout, but they forget the fact that the Hawks brought in a bunch of veterans prior to the 2005-06 season, including making Khabibulin the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. In 2005-06, the Hawks had 8 players over the age of 30 who played at least 30 games that season (and one more who turned 30 late in the season). Not one of those 9 players was a Blackhawk in 2003-04. They were not a team built to tank, but they still finished with the 3rd-worst record in the league.
The 2007-08 Lightning, who finished at the bottom of the league, had 11 players over 30 who played at least 30 games -- including 4 who had been members of their 2004 team. They also had Lecavalier and Richards remaining from 2004 who were under 30. That was only 4 years after their 2004 run. Next season will be 4 years since Kadri won the Cup and 5 since Coleman did.
Right now, the Flames have 7 players over the age of 30 under contract (plus Hunt and Bishop will turn 30 during the season). Two of the seven are Lomberg and Hanley, who aren't making the difference between the Flames finishing 17th or 27th.
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People also forget that the Hawks won the lottery to get Kane. That sure helps. If they didn't win that lottery they pick 3rd and 5th OV. Not much different than the Flames picking Bennett, Monahan and Tkachuk 4, 6, 6, Toews and Alzner aren't winning you 3 cups. Maybe the took Sam Gagner instead, but that draft was Kane and a bunch of crap after Kane. Logan Couture and Voracek were the only top 10 players from 5 and beyond that were any good.