The problem with the Blues is how management creates mediocrity by hiring coaches like Yeo and not investing into the success of the team by trading and upgrading. Berglund, Sobotka and possibly Steen should have been gone at the TDL for either Hoffman or Brassard.
I do not see any signs that the Blues actually are out for the Cup or have plans for it, and I think that's the message the players are getting, resulting in much of the attitude that you can see in their play. It's not that they throw games but that there's no passion there, no hunger, no drive.
Yes, the management are cheap as f-k and won't spend the money unless it's an act of desperation (and I do consider signing Stastny as a sign of desperation - what teams allows a deficit of players in any position?). Yes, develop your farm players but if you're betting on farm players and farm players alone to become your team's elite players, you're out of your damn mind and should be fired. At least they have the right GM for a rebuilding team. Shame that's all it'll get them.