from Eric Francis of Sportsnet,

The latest tempest in a teapot surrounds a 5-1 beatdown by the Vancouver Canucks that finished without any apparent pushback or emotion late in the proceedings. Outplayed in three of four games against a scuffling opponent coach Geoff Ward said afterwards, “it’s time for us to start giving a s--- about it.”

Former Flame Rhett Warrener took it a step further on Sportsnet 960 The Fan’s morning show Thursday when he offered up a familiar refrain to blow up the core, equating it to the Flames team he played for in 2007-08 that has nothing to show for a group that included Miikka Kiprusoff, Jarome Iginla, Robyn Regehr and Owen Nolan.

“These guys keep proving they’re not a win at all costs team,” said Warrener.

It’s a long-running debate in Calgary where several current players have questioned the team’s compete level following any number of horrific starts over the last few weeks.

It’s a legitimate concern when, at this level, players aren’t putting forth a compete level befitting the money they’re paid.

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