Their season-opening winning streak, thought to signify their membership to an elite group of contenders, gradually gave way to the most disappointing stretch of hockey in the history of the franchise.
Their emphatic victory in the Winter Classic, earned at the expense of a hated rival and a direct competitor for a playoff spot, was followed only by more losing.
Even earlier this month, when the team finally pieced together three consecutive wins, they immediately gave up significant points to some of the league's most lacking outfits.
Players thought to be championship-calibre depth became deadline trade bait.