Linus Ullmark from a few years back was an absolute no brainer, and they could have easily afforded him.
And the "well run" Hurricanes.
They sure would have, but they opted for a cheaper Petr Mrazek instead, turned out to be a brilliant move.
Well technically nothing would ever directly prevent them from it but with the heavy top end forward structure you're already wearing way too thin on depth forwards and D - unless you want that to become an even more alarming problem, you basically have to spend cheap-ish on a goalie if you wanna make things work.
They lost in the 2nd round to the team that is going to win the SC (banner please). They have little offense and IIRC scored the most goals on Bob these playoffs. Perhaps it was Swayman that gave them a chance?
I still blame part of that on Mike Sullivan.
McDavid looks like Marner on steroids. Draisaitl may be banged up. Oilers being beaten up by the heavier Panthers. Our core would be in wheelchairs if they made it this far.
Problem with our goalies has been giving up a stinker at key moments. Andersen was solid vs Caps, Bruins and Jackets but folded like a cheap suitcase in big moments.
I think it would be accurate to say... needs improvement in every area.
And last year their goaltending got them (Bruins) to ... handshake in the first round?
I actually do not blame our goalies because they outperform their contracts IMO. I blame the core for sucking in the playoffs and demanding top dollar.And last year their goaltending got them (Bruins) to ... handshake in the first round?
Just saying it isn't just goaltending is it, and last year the Leafs lost to the finalists who this year are likely going to win the Cup. We know the Leafs didn't have good goaltending with Samsonov, they had poor goaltending.
I get what you're saying, but it appears a team just needs good goaltending, not elite goaltending.
View attachment 882740
So the questions might be?
- Can Woll stay healthy?
- Can a coach recognize who is the better option?
- Can a GM recognize who is the best option?
View attachment 882743Stanley Cup Winners Goalies Last 10 Years | StatMuse
Ben Bishop has no series wins in the Stanley Cup Finals between January 14, 2015 and January 14, 2025.www.statmuse.com
Not absolving them of this, but they were very productive prior to this and dragged them this far. McDrai come to play in the postseason, they're just getting slowed down more easily now because they are out of gas and being kept to the outside.
I just blame the core for sucking in the playoffs. If they took a few less dollars, and we had a marginally better support group, the core would still have sucked in the playoffs, and we still would likely lose. If your top players aren't leading you... good luck.
Yup.
