This is a dizzying post. For one, I've never degraded any player like that, so I'm not sure what that has to do with what I've said in this thread and why you're saying it while quoting me.
Second, you go from joking people here are taking things too seriously to speaking about Flames Players like they're your kids needing to learn lessons?
Aside from how overly serious that seems, the part you're missing in talking about the players and the logos on their jersey - is pride. Despite what you're getting at (in a very round about way) every guy on that team is going to go out there and play with pride tonight, no doubt deeply wanting to beat this embarrassing Oilers team. And I'm good with that and wouldn't have it any other way.
This is the nuts and bolts of what I take issue with.
No, lets not "hope" the Oilers win tonight. Let's cheer on our guys with pride and rest easy in knowing we can shrug off a loss if it happens for the greater good. I see a big difference, and think I've been pretty clear about that.
I admire your passion. I tend to avoid these types of heated conversations for a reason, politics, religions,etc. I avoid them all because nothign typically comes from them other than anger. And life is too short for that type of thing. But hell, you've caught me on an afternoon where my kids are outside playing with friends, my wife is at work and the sun is shining. So I've got some time and feel like we can be civil here.
I've got a similar passion when I read comments about guys like Matt Stajan, who play hard night in and night out, yet are consistently mentioned as an anchor that the team needs to jettison. Seems people often forget that these players aren't just assets or resources... they're people. People with families and emotions and personal lives. And therein lies the hypocrisy.
The argument is often made that hockey is a business and that's that. Well, I disagree wholeheartedly. Businesses, regardless of industry, are nothing without their people. And treating them like disposable assets in any circumstance makes my blood boil.
If we want to speak about pride, then let's take some pride in the guys that wear the jersey, regardless of how their performance has been this season. If we want to cheer on the Flames and then in the same breath suggest that "Hiller's a bum" or "Raymond is useless" or "Bollig needs to be sent to the minors because there's someone younger and hungrier waiting to take his job"...
These are the Flames players we're talking about here. The names that we wear on the backs of our jerseys. The players that our kids grow up idolizing. The guys that would run through a wall to help the team overcome an obstacle.
But if they don't score for ten in a row, by god, send 'em to the minors, trade them or sit their asses down in the box.
Yes, hockey is a business. But the Flames are a family. And family trumps business, every day of the week where I come from.
Now, having said all that, and to bring it around full-circle. When it comes to family, I'm perfectly comfortable losing an argument with my wife if it means a happy marriage. I'm also content with letting my kids make mistakes so they can learn from them and be armed with the knowledge that next time they're in a similar situation, they'll remember what they learned and use it to be more successful than ever before.
Why do we fall, Bruce? So that we learn how to get back up.
So, yes, let's hope the Oil win one meaningless game. Because for the next three "meaningless" games, Calgary and all the players that I love, needs to learn some meaningful lessons.
I completely disagree with your conclusion, but I love the spirit of your post.
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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The way I see it we need the Oil to go 0-3. It is better for the Canucks to end the season hot and finish ahead of the flames but who cares about the Oilers. If they go 3-0 likely it results in the Flames having a worse draft position than both EDM and VAN.
Last game in Rexall with the season series on the line. I hope the Flames crush them. Monahan hat trick for a second straight 30+ goal season
I don't give a flying F where we finish in the standings, as long as we get to draft a player in a spot that desperately needs help - RW. However if we can help Austin Matthews avoid the proverbial succubus that is the Oilers franchise and save a budding NHL career from impending disaster then that's just gravy.
Johnny Gaudreau - 2 goals to reach 30 goals
Sean Monahan - 3 goals to reach 30 goals
Sean Monahan - 2 points from tying his career high
TJ Brodie - 2 away from reaching 40 assists
Dougie Hamilton - 1 point away from tying his career high
Mikael Backlund - 1 point from a career high
Sam Bennett - 3 goals away from 20 goals
Sam Bennett - 2 assists away 20 assists
Sam Bennett - 5 points away from 40 points
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Sam "Beard" Bennett
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The percentages are just too low to really make a difference at this point. Always cheer for a win for your favorite team especially against a rival and the disgrace of the league.
With that said, flames win tonight 4-3 in OT. I think it will be a blood bath, lots of fighting and nasty stuff after the whistles. Should be a good one.
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"You're worried about the team not having enough heart. I'm worried about the team not having enough brains." HFOil fan, August 12th, 2020. E=NG
must show all Flames games nationally when they play on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays !!!
