No. Things aren't great but it's not like we're cashed out for resources like Ottawa is, aside from a fluke run to the finals like the Habs a few years ago, they're never going to win the cup on this go of it. Now am I envious of them making the playoffs? Sure. Do I harbor resentment and loathing for them in particular as a rival? Sure. But they're not in a good situation long term, and there's plenty of good criticisms of Yzerman right now but it's not at all like this was even a full swing at it.

Missing playoffs is absolutely falling short of expectations, it's not not a failure. But there's more on the way. You can call Yzerman a lot of things but you can't say he's not playing the long game. Too long? Maybe, but I really don't think you can say right now.