Most of the time fans have given credit when due as well as criticism when due. How the team plays usually determines the response. At the same time extended periods of mediocrity leads extended periods of criticism. Most fans don't instantly jump up and down because of one good game, one good signing etc, it takes extended periods of good results to regain that enthusiasm but that doesn't mean fans have stopped supporting the team, simply that one good showing doesn't change all the issues that lead up to it or the fact that most issues have still not been addressed.
Being a fan of the Spits is becoming more and more like a being a fan of the Lions, most keep hoping they'll have something to cheer about even though there's never been any serious indication they will while there's always a few who always believe no matter how much they stay on the same course of mediocrity they're just one move away from winning a Super Bowl. You can't fault the fans who still hope things will turnaround but those who are blind to the reality that it'll take more than one move refuse to acknowledge the reality of the team's situation.
Commend or criticize on the reality of the situation but blind faith when nothing is changing for the positive is not something most are willing to do. I guess that's saved for those special few real fans who know which fans are true and which ones aren't.
This team doesn't even have a full forward group up front yet. Depending on what happens with Afanasyev, and potentially others they need two or three bodies to fill out the roster on forward. Their D basically got younger and their goaltending got younger as well. That doesn't spell out a championship team and with reduced teams in the playoffs it doesn't likely spell out a playoff team. The team can add some rookies to fill those spots if they don't want to move assets or they can move assets to fill out those spots which leaves them short at the deadline if they found themselves in a position to contend. Afanasyev may be 50/50 to return, but reality is he's signed, AHL eligible and loaned out by Nashville, I really doubt he'll be back.
The roster going into this season?
Forwards
Angle (OA)
Douglas (OA)
D'Amico (01)
Foudy (02)
Cuylle (02)
McDonald (02)
Maggio (02)
Johnston (03)
Zito (03)
Abraham (04)
Other Options
Playfair (OA)
Afanasyev (01)
D
Henault (01)
Ladd (01)
Robinson (02)
Renwick (02)
Sobolev (03)
De Angelis (04)
Other Options
Corcoran (OA)
Rupoli (OA)
Rafkin (02)
Jodoin (03)
Goal
Medina (02)
Downey (04)
Other Options
Tovell (02)
Corcoran, Afanasyev and Rafkin are not likely back. Jodoin likely not ready by what was said last year. Tovell is doubtful unless Downey isn't ready but by all accounts Downey should be the better option. That leaves one of Playfair or Rupoli likely getting a spot. Do they go with versatility in Rupoli or loyalty in Playfair as their third OA. Either way you won't get a ton of contributions from either, they already have six D signed and they're short on forwards barring some miracle.
That many question marks, still a young line up for a team expected to finish high and they don't have a ton of assets, 3x 2nds/4x 3rds/4x 4ths out to 2024.
A younger team built for 2021/22, a few holes to fill, not a lot of assets because the GM wouldn't make any moves to add assets and more youth and a coaching staff that has proven one thing, they're able to lose when they should be winning. That's not a recipe for success.
You wonder why people are doubtful, have no faith or are negative about the future at this point?
None of this takes into account that no one knows if Robinson and McDonald issues that were speculated about have been resolved.
When there's some concrete moves to show some direction, an ability to add what's needed to make them a contender and a coach that shows an ability to play to his player's strengths instead of backing off all the time maybe then there'll be a few more upbeat fans, including me. A couple of good weeks isn't going to cut it though, it'll take something that shows they can sustain any success they may have.