Post Season Thoughts...

Now after reading a couple articles in todays Calgary
Sun, I thought I'd quote a few of the things mentioned
And give my two cents on them.

So here goes...
(quotes from: STEVE MACFARLANE, SUN MEDIA)
Losing in six games to the Wings may be a blessing in
disguise for the Flames.

To rid this city of the unrealistic expectations of a
lengthy playoff run every spring can do nothing but good --
for the fans now balding from pulling out their hair,
to the players who say outside pressures don't affect
them but can't possibly enjoy answering the same
negative questions every morning.

Now while I agree with that statement to a degree, I don't
Think it can really apply to this past season or to the next
One, for the simple reason..it's been no secret so far as
The media and flames organization or it's players is concerned,
that with certian players contracts coming to a close in 2008,
Everyone placed high hopes on this past season, and for next.
Even GM Darryl Sutter, with the moves he made this season
Prior too and at the trade deadline made it evident he hoped
And still hopes for a cup win before then.

So no...Calgary, nor any team for that matter can have a
Fairytale run every season, it's just not feasible for
One team to make the finals every year. On the other hand
I don't think most people are forgetting that in a year
From now..Key players that have played a big role in our
Making the playoffs for 3 consecutive season might be up
For grabs, and that right now might be the best chance
We have in the next few years.


That doesn't mean the city shouldn't have high hopes for
the Flames, just be realistic when grading this year's performance.

It starts with making the playoffs, regardless of how the
berth is clinched. Of the league's 30 franchises, only 16 make it.

The Flames are the only squad in the Northwest Division
to qualify in each of the last three seasons.
They deserve credit for that.

Despite being unable to duplicate the same success on the
road, the Flames won a league-high 30 games at the
Saddledome this season.

They deserve a pat on the back for that, too.

But the better team won this playoff series.
That happens every once in a while.


Calgary does have some things to be proud of this season,
Making the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year,
Boasting a league best home win record with a Rookie head
Coach. Finishing in 7th place overall for goals scored..
Something they could only dream of the couple seasons
Previous.
A couple players managing to pull of Career best seasons.
Being an active player in the tightest division in the NHL
This season, despite finding it difficult to win away
From the Dome and it's sea of red.

I guess that too goes to show, just how big a part the fans
Play in the hearts of this team.