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

[Frequitude]

Not disappointing but I will be disappointed.

Not so much because I want the team I cheer for to make the playoffs, but because I want those guys to be rewarded for what they've managed to pull off this season.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by HartAttack

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.

Fair point, but they are gaining high pressure experience every day. Not sure how getting beat up by Anaheim will help.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I'll be disappointed if we don't make it, but will come to realization that playoffs was just a bonus and we are still a rebuilding team.

[dissentowner]

I will be disappointed if we miss but near as much if I was a Kings fan and they miss. We have no expectations, they are the champs.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by HartAttack

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.

This is a very good point.

I'm thinking in particular about Gaudreau. Every time he's graduated to a higher level of hockey, the naysayers have confidently predicted he would fail. In the most recent case, it took him six whole games (five in the lineup and one in the pressbox) to figure out the NHL game and begin to contribute. There are two more gears in the NHL game that he hasn't experienced yet: the playoffs and the Stanley Cup finals. The finals are pretty solidly out of reach this year (and are never guaranteed), but I think it would do wonders for his development to have the experience of an NHL postseason series.

Of course, the same goes for Monahan and the other kids. I mention Gaudreau particularly because he is such a quick study, and seems to retain every lesson permanently. Four to seven postseason games this year, I believe, will make him an even more effective player next year. He's been to the show; now he needs to go to the dance.

[GioforPM]

You might call it managing expectations, but given that: they were expected to be a lottery favorite; they've dressed a lot of rookies, including one on the top line and one in goal for 5 games; Monahan is a sophomore and a young one at that; they lost Gio at a critical time; they spent a large portion of the year without Backlund and Stajan; they lost Smid; they traded Glencross; and they went through an often unlucky 8 game losing streak, my conclusion is this:

I will be most unhappy if they miss, but not disappointed - there is a difference. They've far exceeded expectations, so that is the opposite of disappointing. We've gotten to see what the future holds, which is very promising especially on top 4 D, down the middle and in goal, and possibly where improvement is needed (bottom end D, RW, maybe secondary scoring). We have a solid prospect pool and a boatload of picks.

Unhappy for the players (and for the inevtiable I told you sos from the north)? Sure, but that'll last a week or so.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Disappointed isn't the right word. I'd be some combination of proud and angry. That's a new emotion I haven't experienced yet and hopefully won't have to.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

Disappointed isn't the right word. I'd be some combination of proud and angry. That's a new emotion I haven't experienced yet and hopefully won't have to.

Check that. I have felt that, in 2004. This would just be less intense and long lasting.

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

Disappointed isn't the right word. I'd be some combination of proud and angry. That's a new emotion I haven't experienced yet and hopefully won't have to.

Like when your girlfriend tells you that you are better in bed than all of your friends?

[Tinordi]

It's not disappointing, need to go back and check your baseline.o

[calgarywinning]

Let's see what they bring to task over the last nine games or so! That will determine if they should be in the playoff's and whether it is a disappointment or not.

Wouldn't it be great for them to step even further and really clinch some of these games.

Also, the great thing about this season is the consistency, the growth, the belief and all the hard work and great moments the team has brought us. It's a great time to be a Flames fan.

[DoubleF]

I will put on a strong front. Smiling proudly with tears rolling down my cheeks applauding the team in front of a TV (or at the LA game).

Who am I kidding? This might happen to me regardless of results at the end of the season.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

I will put on a strong front. Smiling proudly with tears rolling down my cheeks applauding the team in front of a TV (or at the LA game).

Who am I kidding? This might happen to me regardless of results at the end of the season.

I'm fully expecting to feel emotional after the last game of the season, can't wait to give the boys a standing O regardless of what happens

[CsInMyBlood]

I will be disappointed for the Calgary Flames players.

This team has worked SO hard against all odds to get to where they are.

They deserve to be called a playoff team.

Even though I think we all know it will most likely be a quick series against St. Louis or Anaheim, the learning experience of just making it and being there for our young players would be priceless.

Regardless this team has made me very proud to be a Flames fan.

The future is very bright.

[keratosis]

I'd be disappointed for about 10 minutes. Then cheered by Edmonton's no goodness.

[Dion]

My dissapointment will be for the players and all the obstacles they've had to over come.

[IgiTang]

I feel the officiating has had way too much involvement in these last few games. Perhaps its the Flames fault by the way they seem to take periods off and take bad penalties, or just simply bad luck. But I would be upset if they miss the playoffs due to some other entity rather than falling short all on their own.

I think if they miss, they have a good idea what they need to improve on to be a playoff contender rather than them thinking they were good enough and just unlucky..

[The Yen Man]

I would honestly be pretty disappointed. All the talk about over achieving is me managing expectations, but being so close and not getting in would hurt, no question about it.

[Cheese]

[Hackey]

Surprised how many care about the "naysayers" or media.