The Flames Identity

[bluck]

I think it's safe to say that after what felt like years of searching for what this team was, we finally have found our identity

It's been said before and I have no problems repeating it. This team will not be outworked and will compete every single night. The amount of one goal games this team has been involved with this year has been astonishing (sorry I don't have an official tally) I have to give major kudos to Hartley and the coaching staff for getting this team ready to play every single night. It started by having the hardest working training camp this team has been put through for years and has continued all the way up to game 67.

I can honestly say I have no problems shelling out my hard earned money to go to the dome and watch a rebuilding team as long as they compete the way they are. I have been so utterly impressed with the effort shown and the heart by almost every single player on this team and coaching and even management. It's been awesome to see how players feed off each others energy and compete level every night. Last year if we were down 3-1 with 10 minutes to go, I would have almost zero faith that we could push for a comeback because you could see the quit. I am thrilled that is NOT the case this year.

What blows my mind is that we are only at half of the salary cap this season. I have a feeling this will be a quick rebuild especially knowing Brian Burke is not a patient guy. With a few good upcoming drafts, some key trades, and having this never quit attitude I believe this team will turn the corner a lot faster then the "young gun days" I am so glad we are not following the tank first model that Edmonton has instilled in it's organization.

Thank You Flames for instilling confidence in me during this rebuild and playing an exciting, fast, hard working style of hockey. I will always be there to support this team and you better believe you will not see any jerseys tossed on the ice like that team up north.

Cheers.

[ikaris]

Cool story bro

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by ikaris

Cool story bro

Did you mean for that post to be super douchie?

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Shut up ikea.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by ikaris

Cool story bro

dude he types all that out and thats all you give him?

I agree op. It's been much more fun watching the team this year than some of the veteran teams that just barely fell short of making the playoffs.

I know that for the good of our draft position it would benefit us to lose games and such, but (last night being a perfect example) its simply too fun watching us make things interesting and even steal some wins in dramatic fashion.

To be a contender that plays with this workmanship would be unbelievable to watch.

[Gaskal]

Just a few years ago we were notorious for slow starts into late pushes or strong outta the gate then fade out toward the end.

New team goes all out for the entire game. Would take them 10/10 any day.

[jesters91]

Identity of the team is what Hartley has been building since camp. Kudos to the coaching staff. That being said, selfishly I'm hoping they lose more 1 goal games than they win down the stretch. I want them to own a top 5 draft position this summer.

[Day Tripper]

Originally Posted by bluck

Brian Burke

This is the most important part of the equation for the future of the Calgary Flames.

[SOMBRI2]

This is the foundation. In the past couple years, if they had a two goal lead, they would actually have had a chance to blow it. What a turn around.

[return to the red]

Is it pretty hockey? probably not. Is it entertaining hockey? You bet!

In a rebuild I don't expect much, just go out and put in an effort. So far the guys have done that on a consistent basis. Good job Flames, this is much more entertaining hockey, even in losses, then it has been in a long time.

My props go to Troy Ward and the coaching staff in Abby. He's done a remarkable job with the young guys and allowing them to transition onto the big club with ease

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Did you mean for that post to be super douchie?

Hey, he got a thanks from moon out of it.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

I like the optimism. It's certainly a good foundation to build upon. There are a lot of variables and a lot of stars that have to align for things to turn around quickly, but I do love how this team plays.

It's the main reason why I want Hartley to stick around. He's earned it.

[kirant]

What amazes me about the Flames are some of the unsung heroes in all of this. While players like Monahan and Giordano get all the attention from other teams, lower ranking guys like Bouma and Butler really creates this identity. I know people don't really like Butler all that much, but he eats up a lot of shots against Ramo/Berra/Ortio/MacDonald. Between that and Bouma (who has gotten a lot of love recently from CP) constantly putting themselves in harm's way, I can't help but imagine their efforts go a long way in driving the identity of the team.

Really haven't felt this way about the Flames for years.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Flames identity?

Not Edmonton. The anti-Edmonton.

Everything that Edmonton isn't.