Is "Calgary Flames Fan" a New Synonym for Masochist?

When I posted this question on Twitter, it provoked popular response. In all fairness, it was after that dreadful October 14th Florida Panthers game. You know, the one where watching paint dry would have been more entertaining? Glad I did not pay for those tickets.

Anyways, it appeared as though most of my Twitter followers agreed that masochist was a proper way to describe being a Flames fan at the moment. After all, our last and only Stanley Cup was way back in 1989, and as much as I like to harass Leafs fans for aimlessly cheering for a team that has not managed to even make it to the finals outside the original six, the Flames’ history is not something to brag about.

The 2004 Cup run initiated such a hopeful and united response, as well as the revival of the Flames fanbase, that it left us Flames fans chanting, “More! MORE!!! Sutter is God!” To be honest, I’m pretty sure I’m still not over that loss.

The result?

Since then we have been left with a series of disappointments, excelling in mediocrity, and never quite reaching the point we have been hoping for (aka past the first round of the playoffs). This was only fuelled by the Flames’ early exit from the season last year, an exit that appeared to have started in January. 

That brings us to this question today: Am I fruitlessly cheering for a team that is so incredibly far from winning the cup? More importantly, should we already be depressed?

More so than ever, Flames fans and hockey analysts alike are questioning management. After all, what happened in the offseason? No seriously, what happened? I know what occurred, but trust me I do not understand it. It was the opposite of both improving and rebuilding; it was something indescribable.

Being so invested in this team, I always tried to find that “brighter side” to the story. So I fell back on my “Darryl Sutter is actually a genius and we just cannot recognize it” statement, one I had used before. This time, however, I simply could not fool myself. Re-signing Olli Jokinen was stupid. This did not work before and no, it was not going to work again. Four games into the season and so far, this statement is correct. Whether Darryl Sutter had a stroke or that he is just that damn stubborn is irrelevant; the Jokinen experiment is a failed one. Consequently, what is an organization to do?

Other than the unholy Detroit Red Wings, it appears as though teams need to use the dreaded “R” word in order to win the Stanley Cup post-lockout: rebuild. Say it, Flames fans. I know, it is not pleasant. One only has to look at the “highlights” from the Edmonton Oilers last season to know that this is not an enjoyable process for fans to go through. I would rather not go endure such a process, so what else can one look to? Let’s explore the positives Flames fans can look at heading into tonight’s game—and the rest of the season.

1. Olli Jokinen Not on the Top Line: First three games, top line combines for ZERO points. Game No. 4, they combine for eight points. It worked for Iginla, Tanguay, Staja and yes, even Jokinen. Trust me, this move was a good thing, and hopefully permanent. 
2. Miikka Kiprusoff: What could I possibly say about Kipper that could do him justice? This man is, without a doubt, the MVP of the Flames. It’s scary to think about where this team would be without him. He looked to be in better than fine form during the preseason, and despite some lacklustre performances by the Flames so far, Kipper has yet to disappoint me.
3. Mark Giordano: One of the few bright spots last season, Gio is a defenceman with hands. Look to this guy to be the Flames power-play quarterback, because Bouwmeester has yet to prove that it’s him. Prove me wrong, J-Bo! 
4. The power-play improvement! You read right. Ignore the first three games. Yes, this is premature, but I like the way the power play looked against the Oilers on October 16th. Before, the Flames were stagnant and not moving their feet in the offensive zone. Not only did they change this, but they were actually moving the puck around. They were setting up. They were getting shots and legitimate scoring chances. And best of all, they scored on it. Let’s all hope this was not a one-game occurrence.
5. Jarome Iginla: How nice was it to see Iggy score this past game against the Oilers? He has a belief and confidence to be reckoned with, and not to mention, a killer shot. Iginla has proven time and time again just what he can do when he has chemistry with players. The way he and Tanguay are feeding off each other is refreshing, seeing how it was hard for him to develop chemistry with anyone last season, especially with the constant rotation of linemates. Iggy and Tangs not only like playing together, but they're genuine friends who enjoy each other's company. Let’s keep them together, Brent.
6. Alex Tanguay: What a playmaker Tangs is. The improvement on the power play this past game was largely due to him. Not only this, but he also re-ignited the top line, especially Iginla. He knows where to pass and how to set-up, something the Flames so desperately need on the power play. He had a fantastic preseason and continues to impress me. Yes, many, including myself, criticized the re-signing of old players, but the Flames got Tanguay for a cheap, one-year contract. After a disappointing season in Tampa last year, Tanguay is adamant on proving again that he’s a top-line player.
7. Rene Bourque: OK sure, this guy is “slightly” injury prone. Since unfortunately having his neck sliced by a skate while playing in Chicago, he seems to run into the worst luck possible. However, signing Bourque to a six-year contract was my favourite move by Sutter last season. One place the Flames will love to have him again is on the penalty kill. Not only this, but his offense is so greatly appreciated, especially having been shut out twice already. So here’s hoping that Bourque starts carrying around that lucky rabbit’s foot. Or whatever helps. Just don’t stand next to him during a lightning storm.
8. The Leftovers—Curtis Glencross, Niklas Hagman: When the top line went incognito, I was thoroughly impressed with these two. Even in the season opener and the game against Florida, the two games the Flames have been shutout, they were the few that played with purpose. Along with Bourque, Glencross is the Flames' other vital penalty-killer. A heavy hitter and fast skater, Glencross can create a lot of havoc in the opposing team's end. Meanwhile, Hagman is not only skilled, but has one of the best shots on the team. It’s nice to see that they can provide some depth amongst top-line struggles.

So where do we go from here? We keep cheering, Flames fans! Yes, these past few years have been difficult. But as one can see from my list, it is not all bad. I truly believe there are a lot of positives here so let’s hold on before we write this team off (I’m looking at you, ESPN).

Moreover, it is quite easy for us to criticise teams and players—we are not the ones on the ice! The fact that I'm still sore four days after a game of street hockey shows just how hard this game is. Regardless, it really is only four games into the season. Besides, we are fans! Welcome to the trials and tribulations of being way too invested in a sports team; it is not easy and often disappointing. But before we go on dropping the “R” bomb, let’s see how the season pans out.