How disappointing is it if this team doesn't make the playoffs?

[JiriHrdina]

I think if this team gets in they will be out quick - they can't sustain being without Gio and overplaying Wideman, Brodie and Russel - and they don't have a goalie capable of stealing a series.

But I would be incredibly disappointed for the players who worked this hard to get here.

And I would be annoyed by the "told ya so's" from other fans.

[Robbob]

Disappointed at first, but excited about the future. Youth is carrying this team. Each meaningful game played after the allstar break is huge for the development of the players. I am sure they have learned more about the NHL and that what it takes to play at that next level this season than it takes some rebuilding teams 3 (or 8 if you are Edmonton). Whether they make it or not, developmentally they have made huge strides.

[morgin]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think if this team gets in they will be out quick - they can't sustain being without Gio and overplaying Wideman, Brodie and Russel - and they don't have a goalie capable of stealing a series.

But I would be incredibly disappointed for the players who worked this hard to get here.

And I would be annoyed by the "told ya so's" from other fans.

Logically I should agree with you, except that the Flames have consistently found ways to make it happen both on a micro and macro level every time they've been counted out. If they make it, I honestly truly believe all bets are off as to what could happen.

[drewtastic]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think if this team gets in they will be out quick - they can't sustain being without Gio and overplaying Wideman, Brodie and Russel - and they don't have a goalie capable of stealing a series.

But I would be incredibly disappointed for the players who worked this hard to get here.

And I would be annoyed by the "told ya so's" from other fans.

I agree with all of this. But any fanbase that says "told ya so" about a rebuliding team that misses playoffs with less than 10 regular season games remaining is a pitiful fanbase indeed.

...so, likely Oilers and/or Leafs fans. And who cares what they think?

[442scotty]

Wont be too disappointed.. The fact that they were entertaining to watch 90% of the time made the year for me. Playoffs are just a bonus if they come.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

I understand all the "this is better than I thought" and what a great experience for the guys comments, because it's all 100% true! And it will all bee seen as a positive in the not so distant future.

But I got to believe there is a lot of attempts on here by people to manage expectations and their own disappointment going on. I've been pretty level headed for me all year, and I couldn't help but be fully invested in the game yesterday. Having a tough time seeing how any Flames fan couldn't feel like they just had their heart ripped out, even for just a little bit after watching this amazingly likeable team all year should they fall just short.

[troutman]

I would be disappointed, because it could be even harder to make the playoffs next year, if COL and DAL play to their potential.

We are ahead of schedule and it might be 2-3 years before we can qualify again.

[Enoch Root]

One can be fully invested in the games and still be rational about the season

[troutman]

Originally Posted by CSharp

2) a good rebuild also depends on them drafting as high as they did in the past couple of years and this over-achieving year is not really a good year to play well enough to be a bubble team.

We have 6 picks in the top 80 this year. I hope they use them all.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

One can be fully invested in the games and still be rational about the season

Wasn't suggesting people weren't fully invested, was suggesting that a miss might hit them harder than they are letting on, emotions take over from logic for all of us at some point, even just for a little while.

[terminator]

You don't own a playoff spot for 80% of the season to give it up to someone else.

[SofaProfessor]

I would be disappointed, for sure. But I look ahead and I see way better things for this team in the coming years than just squeaking into the playoffs.

I still think they make it, though. This team hasn't given up at all this season and they hold their own fate in their hands. If it comes down to the final games of the season against LA and Winnipeg I honestly think you see the Flames step up and show why they belong in the playoffs.

[ThatsRobbery]

I will be pretty disappointed to be honest, mostly due to my own expectations for the last 20 or so games. I thought they would make it, even when Gio went down I had faith. Having been to 15 or so games (my largest by a lot), and watching this team I feel way more invested this year and for them not to make it will proably make me pretty sad for a few days.

But then I'll remember we were suppose to be in the McDavid sweepstakes and remember much more fondly on a season where we defied all expectations and how much fun it was to watch the Flames this year.

[HartAttack]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Deep down I hope they miss.


The reason is that this group is just starting to gel. We have a core that could last a decade. As it is if they do make it they'll be exhausted, Wideman can barely skate right now. Then going against Nashville or Anaheim there's a chance some careers get shortened overextending themselves.

We've seen the potential, I hope they save it for next year when we add a whole bunch more to help the team. Without Gio we are screwed in the playoffs. Plus we have the 2% chance at Mcdavid. Would love to see them get to rest and come back stronger next year, let Gio, Russell, Boomer and Wideman heal up. Obviously if they make it that will be great but still I kind of hope they don't. I doubt a 4-5 round game series will be more entertaining than this season already has been.

Sure anything can happen but they look absolutely drained out there and I'm in this for the long haul. A core of Gaudreau, Moneyhands and Bennett could win several championships.

The Flames need to learn how to win in high pressure situations, with both teams turned all the way up. Look at the total playoff GP on this team right now. Even if it's a short series, the Flames would be better off gaining that playoff experience now so they can see what its going to take to get to that 'championiship' level you're talking about.

Those playoff games will also be a good measuring stick for Trelving, to see exactly where our weaknesses are, and to improve the team for a playoff series next year.

[Mith]

I want to say I'd be ok with it but honestly I'm so heart and soul in to this flames team that I'd probably be crushed. They just deserve it so much.

That said, we have a 5-2-3 record in our last 10. If we keep that sort of play up for the last 9 games we'd end the season with..98 points? I think these guys make it.

Those last 2 games are going to be HUUUUUGE.

[Vinny01]

No doubt I would be disappointed but I would also be optimistic for the future. Going into the summer the Flames have a ridiculous amount of cap space and a lot of teams will be up against it this summer. The team also possesses several assets they can shop like their 3 2nds (not move all but 1). Also they have some good young pkayers they could trade to upgrade if need be (long term upgrades not short term fixes).

Most importantly we are adding another top level prospect to the main group next year that should be a Calder candidate. Year 1 we enjoyed Monahan score 22 and take a massive leap this year nearly doubling his point total. Johnny this year has been pretty much everything we could have hoped for. Bennett will be a big part of the teams offense next year in my opinion and he adds speed, skill, and grit.

I think the Flames need to add a couple of top 6 wingers and a good 3-5 Dman. If Russell or Wideman slid to the 3rd pair and we upgrade on the second pair the team will be looking very good next year.

Depending what Trelving does this summer I don't see why the Flames don't take another step forward next year

[polak]

It'd be a big disappointment since we're so close and playing so well and truly deserve to be in.

However in grand scheme of things, this season would still be a success in my eyes.

[kermitology]

If they do miss, it'll be despite having a record that is nothing to shake a stick at. It's impressive in it's own right, and you can't take that away from them. I'll be disappointed, but extremely proud and entertained by this season, and as a fan, that's all I can ask for. This season has been better than the last couple of years when the DID make the playoffs.

Furthermore, this is a valuable lesson for the players, the coaches and management about the approach and direction that the team needs to go in. So it's win-win at this point. If we do end up missing with something ridiculous like 96 points, then hope to god, we get blessed with a magical lottery selection.

[Buff]

Of course, I would be disappointed. Moreso now that they've been in the playoff picture for so long, and now so late in the season and they're still hanging on to a spot. To miss out now would be disappointing.

Not disappointed in the team, but disappointed that we don't get playoff hockey for our own team. However I can look forward to future years because the future looks good. A lot can happen to change the brightness but as of right now it looks like we're going to be happy fans of a competitive team for many years.

The last meaningful playoffs was 2004, the first round exists since then were disappointing, but the 2004 loss was heart breaking... I need new heart break and have had my fill of recent disappointment, so Go Flames Go!

[Joborule]

If Flames make the playoffs, it's very likely it's only going to be a short stint, but even so, the experience they could gain from it could be incredibly beneficial. I would be disappointed if they wouldn't get that opportunity to grow even more after all the work they've put in this season.

With that said, this has been an incredible season by the team, and can't be disappointed about the season as a whole.