I have been happy with the team since July 1st. Kids are finally getting looks in roles they deserve, the trenches were reinforced, and all the glaring weaknesses were acknowledged if not addressed.
The miles will still catch up to Anze come April, a series is much more difficult to defend in than individual games against opponents who aren't scheming against you, Fiala will likely be a problem again, and the goaltending will likely suffer. But, Doughty should be fresh, the kids are providing new depth, and there is room for an addition later in the year.
The key is getting home ice and pushing for the division title to provide a likely less lethal opening round matchup.
Or, if the wheels fall off in the next two months, there are quality pieces to use to restore the asset list at the deadline.
The suffering looks to be over in favor of pragmatic progress for the first time in Blake's tenure.