Let’s get off to an honest start. You can’t really “hate” the Flames as an organisation. Of all the Canadian NHL teams, the Flames are the least unlikable. I’m not saying they are likeable, but their fanbase aren’t full of whiners like the Canucks, or the self-absorbed “loud cheering fans” of the Jets*.
Flames fans are pretty chill to be around as a Leafs fan, and that’s probably because of our recent shared history of little success. Our teams even have Lanny McDonald in common, and who doesn’t love Lanny! Oh, and, I guess there’s Dion Phaneuf in common between us too.