Yzerman is building an exciting up-and-coming team. What's not to be optimistic about?
They just missed the playoffs by 0 points and won more games than the team allowed in.
If the NHL's goal is to reward losing, then the more losing team was just allowed in. The Red Wings, who won more, was disallowed.
Despite NHL trying to promote losing, Wings just needs to keep winning.
When looking at other rebuilding teams around the NHL, Yzerman is about on par with his rebuild despite Ken Holland's attempt to sabotage the franchise. Listening to Podcasts of media guys, they are all impressed with Yzerman's accomplishments. They are excited about their core still in development; ASP, Kasper, Danielson, Cossa, Johansson, and a bunch of other prospects people are sleeping on.
Yzerman deserves some love.