There is not much else I can say or offer with respect to the Calgary Flames and their 2014-15 NHL season, other than to offer a standing ovation.
Seriously, it was nearly a Stanley Cup shy of being perfect; at least for me.
This team not only exceeded expectations with respect to (not) being a bottom feeder team, but they also made the playoffs ahead of teams like the Los Angeles Kings (who they knocked out, btw), and somehow still set themselves up for the future!
What this team has done this year has been short of remarkable. They traded veteran players over the past year or so, kept their draft picks, grabbed a few extras, and developed their players. There were players who were not rushed up despite how the team was playing. There were players bounced around because those who didn’t earn their roles, simply didn’t get to play.
The coaching staff did one hell of a job instilling a winning environment and got the absolute most out of their players which can be quite the feat of late in the NHL. What’s more is that moving forward, this Flames team will actually be drafting (at the very least) four times in the top 55 2015 NHL draft selections.
With one first round pick and three second rounders, expect the Flames to look to improve what is already a young and talented core. With guys like Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Sam Bennett, TJ Brodie, Mikael Backlund all averaging the age of 21.8, this team is still years away from their full potential. And this is not even to mention guys like Ferland, Colborne, Bouma, Russell, Jooris, and Byron who are all quite young as well.
Although there was a certain level of disappointment when the Flames were nearly swept by the Anaheim Ducks just a few days ago, I think as the dust settled most fans were able to sit back and truly appreciate what their team put together but more importantly, how great their future looks.
With the NHL draft around the corner and the fact that the Flames still have plenty of young and very talented players to develop as things stand, one can only argue that this team should get stronger in the upcoming years, and that is a scary thought.
With the mentality that one should never quit, in addition to the work ethic that has been displayed and the systems put in place by the coaching staff, the future is bright for the Calgary Flames and I’ve been damn proud to write about them.
Given that this is looking to be my last blog…ever(?), I’d like to close by saying that I truly appreciated all the kind words I’ve received via PMs, DMs, in the comments thread and even via email/text.
I will likely pop in every so often to chat with you folks and offer more of a fan opinion than blogger…though I’m not entirely sure if that will differ all that much.
For the last time – Thanks for reading!!
To wrap things up, here’s a neat hightlight video of the 2014-15 season!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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