Flames fans are second least optimistic in the NHL (Athletic) - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

tvp2003 · 10-08-2021, 07:55 AM

Courtesy of Sean Gentille of The Athletic (paywall): https://theathletic.com/2875386/2021...-32-nhl-teams/

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We’re going to open with a confession about The (patent pending) NHL Hope-O-Meter.
…

Yes, this is still a 1-32 ranking of teams, based on their fanbase’s state of mind. It just leans on your words, not mine. The question was simple, and the answers were fun, insightful, and weird. There’s one from each side of the coin per team, but that doesn’t mean that every team has half its fan base in each camp. Far from it, actually.

How hopeful are you for the coming season? Let’s find out.

Calgary finished 31st, just ahead of Buffalo, with a paltry score of 18.6%

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31. Calgary Flames — 18.6

Optimist Eric: Hoping some of the young guys can continue to develop and maybe Calgary is able to bring in a certain superstar who is on the block.

Pessimist Erik: Can’t wait to finish between 7th and 12th in the West, draft between 9th and 17th overall, and do it all again next year!

We feel you Erik, we feel you.

Knightslayer · 10-08-2021, 07:56 AM

Oilers must be #1.

DoubleK · 10-08-2021, 07:58 AM

That feels about right. This team is not better than last year's version aside from the coach.

ricardodw · 10-08-2021, 08:03 AM

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Originally Posted by Knightslayer

Oilers must be #1.

Oilers are #7, Jets #4 , Sens #17, Habs #20, Canucks #21, Leafs #22

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31. Calgary Flames — 18.6
Optimist Eric: Hoping some of the young guys can continue to develop and maybe Calgary is able to bring in a certain superstar who is on the block.

Pessimist Erik: Can’t wait to finish between 7th and 12th in the West, draft between 9th and 17th overall, and do it all again next year!

Bingo · 10-08-2021, 08:03 AM

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Originally Posted by DoubleK

That feels about right. This team is not better than last year's version aside from the coach.

Why would a 30th rank feel right for a team that most have as a bubble or even playoff team?

By very definition you'd think it was about 10 or so spots low no?

iloveicedhockey · 10-08-2021, 08:04 AM

That's a bit too optimistic for me.

Lanny_McDonald · 10-08-2021, 08:05 AM

No idea why that would be? Years of mediocrity and a management team that continues to make the team worse. No bluechip prospects and a non-existent level of talent on the AHL team. Not even hope to sell. Why would anyone be surprised by this outcome?

ricardodw · 10-08-2021, 08:08 AM

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Originally Posted by Bingo

Why would a 30th rank feel right for a team that most have as a bubble or even playoff team?

By very definition you'd think it was about 10 or so spots low no?

from the article

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31. Calgary Flames — 18.6
Optimist Eric: Hoping some of the young guys can continue to develop and maybe Calgary is able to bring in a certain superstar who is on the block.

Pessimist Erik: Can’t wait to finish between 7th and 12th in the West, draft between 9th and 17th overall, and do it all again next year!

Mediocrity is not a target that inspires hope.

PepsiFree · 10-08-2021, 08:10 AM

This should be a fun thread.

Vinny01 · 10-08-2021, 08:12 AM

Not surprised at all. This team is coming off a hugely disappointing year and have had a pretty bad summer losing Gio and replacing him with Zadorov/Gudbransen and only adding Coleman up front with no big shakeup. Johnny is not signed, Ottawa is reminding us how brutal it is to negotiate with a Tkachuk.

It is not hopeless but it is easier to take a pessimistic stance with the team than optimistic.

Sainters7 · 10-08-2021, 08:13 AM

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Originally Posted by Knightslayer

Oilers must be #1.

Even during their darkest days this century pre-McLotteryballs, I bet they'd have been top 10 every year. They're completely out of their minds

DoubleK · 10-08-2021, 08:13 AM

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Originally Posted by Bingo

Why would a 30th rank feel right for a team that most have as a bubble or even playoff team?

By very definition you'd think it was about 10 or so spots low no?

I didn't read it as a power ranking. I read it as how hopeful the fan base is.

When I think about how hopeful I am, the best I can say is at least we aren't Buffalo. That's right where the Flames showed up in their list.

ComixZone · 10-08-2021, 08:13 AM

Lack of faith in management is settling in rather strongly.

Lack of faith in the key players on the roster has been present for a year or two.

Loss of their best defenceman from last season/Captain.

Uninspiring off-season of acquisitions.

Yep, this checks out. Darryl Sutter magic is pretty much what this year comes down to from a hope perspective, and hopefully that pays off. Oh, and the hope that we acquire Eichel.

Samonadreau · 10-08-2021, 08:14 AM

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Originally Posted by Bingo

Why would a 30th rank feel right for a team that most have as a bubble or even playoff team?

By very definition you'd think it was about 10 or so spots low no?

I would think it factors in the short and long term trajectory of the team too. This team seams to have peaked as a bubble team.

Jbo · 10-08-2021, 08:16 AM

Years when I felt a team was at a low point always seem to be the seasons that surprise.

Samonadreau · 10-08-2021, 08:17 AM

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Originally Posted by Jbo

Years when I felt a team was at a low point always seem to be the seasons that surprise.

This is true, Plus the Darryl factor. If Goaltending stays hot and Monahan stays healthy... who knows!

foofighter15 · 10-08-2021, 08:18 AM

I mean....yep.

Just look at our history since winning the cup.....4 playoff rounds won in 30 years, 3 of which were in the same year. We have not been spoiled.

However

It goes to show the loyalty of the die hard Flames fan.

Bingo · 10-08-2021, 08:19 AM

Yeah that's fair ... comments removed.

I guess I was just reserving desperation (31st and 30th) to the bottom of the bottom when it comes to the season, which felt over done.

Not like I like the core or where things are going so far be it me to suggest we should have a highly ranked hope index.

tvp2003 · 10-08-2021, 08:19 AM

To be clear, the article was based on responses from readers (over 10,000 from across all 32 teams), not just someone's own personal thoughts or analysis.

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Originally Posted by DoubleK

When I think about how hopeful I am, the best I can say is at least we aren't Buffalo. That's right where the Flames showed up in their list.

LOL -- well said. I was surprised but not surprised when I saw Calgary down there at the bottom.

gvitaly · 10-08-2021, 08:22 AM

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Originally Posted by Bingo

Why would a 30th rank feel right for a team that most have as a bubble or even playoff team?

By very definition you'd think it was about 10 or so spots low no?

In sports fans aren’t happy with being average, they want their team to win it all.

Fans are usually optimistic about either contending for a cup, or getting high draft picks so they can become a contender when the rebuild is over.

Fans expect the flames to find themselves in the middle, either as a gatekeeper in the playoffs, or just on the outside looking in. The lack of optimism comes from feeling it will be the same next year and so on.

The ranking definitely feels right. Besides if the amount of negativity on this board is any indicator we should be all the way at the top.