This is true. Making the playoffs would definitely keep Bowman and Colliton safe. I don't blame you for rooting for a tank, but for me, it's too early to do that. No one has hated Bowman more than me, but I can't do that just yet. Maybe if it was another sport other than the NHL, but in hockey, the last seed can win the Cup -- that's what makes the sport great, you just never know -- all you have to do is make the dance, etc. Last year alone saw more upsets than I can ever remember, particularly first-round upsets; and St. Louis was all but dead at this exact time of the year last year, to boot.
The fact that this team has looked as poorly as they have and with all the injuries they've experienced, yet they're only 5 points back, I can't help but root for them to make it. Maybe they go out in the first round, but I'd still want to see what they can do with the chance. At the end of the day, I do not want to waste an opportunity to see Kane in the playoffs simply because I want Bowman and Colliton out the door. Who knows how many more times Kane will have that opportunity, both in general but also in a Hawks' sweater.