The Islanders are one of a number of NHL clubs stuck in a sort of endless drought brought on by a lackluster budget and even more lackluster management. They are one of the prime examples of how a "rebuild" can go awry and result in perpetual misery rather than a renewal and return to success. Of course, that may be more an indictment of the people behind the wheel than the strategy itself.

The Flames are on a roll right now, although Im personally rather dubious of it’s legitimacy. For most, the issue is one of pragmatics over principle however – so if a lucky streak will help the club get into the playoffs this season, so be it. Just as long as Calgary’s decision makers can delineate between some short-term fortune and the long-term needs of the franchise, of course.