That's fair enough, though I wonder where you got those numbers, as they're way off the numbers at evolving-hockey. Vasi still has the better GSAx but it's 13.72 to Crawford's 6.26.
So yes, Crawford was great and Vasi was better.
My vote remains the same. Every player on that 2013 team was playing out of their minds.
It would be a close series though. GF%, CF%, xGF%, all within a percentage point or less between the two teams through their playoff runs. Tampa slightly better offensively, Chicago slightly better defensively... albeit I don't think there's much question the 2013 Kings and 2013 Bruins are the toughest teams either team faced in their cup runs.
Vasi is the reason I voted for the Bolts. To be clear though, there is no wrong answer here, as both these teams were amazing. Due to the differences in scoring from 2013 vs 2020, I think stats will indicate Vasi vs Crawford being closer than it really was and on the flip side, Tampa's best scorers will appear to have a bigger edge over Chicago than they really do. I think this series goes 7, with Vasi being able to steal a game or two being the difference.
Their playoff runs serve as an interesting contrast, as the Bolts were a machine that just dismantled everyone that postseason. Lead 3-1 after 4 every series and never faced elimination, in addition to never losing B2B. The Hawks, meanwhile, had higher highs and lower lows. Fell down 3-1 to a fading Wings team and needed OT in game 7 just to beat them, narrowly avoiding a monumental upset. But then they played much better after that, dominating a Kings team who won the cup the year before and after, then beat a Bruins team in what was the highest quality of play I've ever seen in a SCF. This includes the Bruins being the best I've ever seen a SCF loser play, and the Hawks best won out over them, so that was a great part of this Hawks cup. For all SCF I've experienced as a neutral fan, that was definitely my favorite. In summary, from round to round in the playoffs, the Hawks were more hot and cold, while the Bolts were more consistent. So consistent that I hardly was even stressed during that cup run.
Couple more things to add: first, of all the multi cup winners in this span, I think the Hawks would be the toughest challenge for the Bolts. These are 2 teams that could beat you in more ways than the Pens and Kings could. Second, I've always said this would've been the peak matchup of Hawks vs Bolts, as neither team was at their very best in 2015, though Chicago was closer to their peak, as I don't think Tampa started approaching it until 2018. Going back to Crawford, he can be underrated, as I remember him having a good finals in 2015.
In the end there's no wrong answer here though. 2 amazing teams who could beat you in a number of ways. Envious fans have also tried to devalue both due to not being normal seasons, but these were 2 great teams regardless.
