I feel like there should be a poll. What officially broke the Calgary Flames? The rap video? Or the McDavid game 5 OT goal?
I'm honestly leaning towards the rap video...
There's a few breaking points for me:
* First off was Game 2 where the Flames went full Oiler and choked another multi-goal lead late in the 3rd at home.
Yes, they technically choked worse in Game 1, but were saved by both Smith and Koskinen having off nights. With Game 2, the Flames blew a shot at going up 2-0 in the series. The Oilers were in their heads rent-free from then on.
* Second was the no-goal call against Coleman late in Game 5. The worst part for Calgary was that the puck was about to cross the line on its own without help from Coleman; just that one decision to turn the skate changed everything and ultimately negated Game 6 - which was only about 5-6 minutes away from being a sure thing IIRC.
* Then in the off-season, you obviously have Gaudreau and Tkachuk both leaving at the same time.
IMO that's a blow on the level of Pronger being traded in 2006; not only do you lose two of your best scorers, but the team chemistry and morale takes a major hit.
* And of course, the panic move by Treliving to lock down Huberdeau and Kadri in order to save face. Enough said.
TLDR; death by a thousand cuts.
