I think the bet JBB is making is that we will improve 5v5 while staying about the same on the PP. And, even if we take a step back on the PP, it might be worth it to improve 5v5.Well, we certainly aren't "balanced", our 1st line is going to have to carry us again, but we were also 5th in GF last year. Swapping Stamkos with Guentzel carries with it some risk, that's a move made after this years D was already sorted out though.
A top 5 GA and a top 5 GF team wins us the conference
Hagel put up points last year even when off the 1st line, although his goal total dipped. If he can even give us 50 5v5 points in a 2nd line role, we are a better team at ES than last year.