Hartley pushing Flames to the end

The Calgary Sun points out the Flames have, despite the rebuilding process, put a competitive and never-say-die team on the ice night.

Coach Bob Hartley has been complimentary of his players and is an optimist, but also a hockey realist.

“Our practice habits have improved tremendously from last year. As a fan or as a coach or as a media person, you always want the end result. But in our case, there’s a process to be followed.

“I think we’ve been able to fast-forward this process, but at the same time, we’re a non-playoff team.”

Also: “You get an E for excellent if you get a top-four in the playoffs. When you win the Stanley Cup, it’s even better,” Hartley said. “You get a P for a passing grade if you get to the playoffs. Under that, you’re under 50%. It’s not good enough.

“F is not for famous. It’s for failing. It’s our job as a coaching staff to get this in our players’ brain.

“They’ve been through the wall for us. We’re gonna keep pushing them. We’re gonna keep supporting them. It’s all a matter of learning.

“We found a way to get better this year, but it’s not good enough.”

Source: Randy Sportak, Calgary Sun