I ask again, would it really be the end of the world if the Wild passed us?
Or just not being good enough which was the actual reason they didn't make it on the Hawks. But there's no convincing you that the HOF winningest coach in the NHL with multiple cups is good at his job so...
I'm not saying they were all superstars, but you're willfully blind if you don't see that Q's treatment of players varies wildly. Some get a long leash, others are stapled to the bench for mistakes that others get repeated passes for.
Why would any player sign up for that, rather than go to a place where he can be punished and rewarded for his performance based on standards that are consistent across the bench?
Toews/Vermette/Richards/Kruger gives the Hawks a way better chance to win the Stanley Cup than any lineup you can concoct with Hayes in it. 37% on FO and isn't even outscoring Richards.
I'm not saying they were all superstars, but you're willfully blind if you don't see that Q's treatment of players varies wildly. Some get a long leash, others are stapled to the bench for mistakes that others get repeated passes for.
Why would any player sign up for that, rather than go to a place where he can be punished and rewarded for his performance based on standards that are consistent across the bench?
Q's bench runs on favoritism, rather than merit.
Doesn't really matter about the 3 point game. Actually that may be better if you want the Kings to stay behind if the Blues do win.
Does hoping the Kings miss the playoffs make me a bad person?
Does hoping the Kings miss the playoffs make me a bad person?
No.
Though from a Kharmic standpoint, it probably only increases the chances of them making it.
Yeah I know.
The worst is that I'm bizarrely fond of them...after they beat the Hawks last year, I didn't mind them winning the cup.
I respect the hell out of the Kings. Intelligent, progressive organization, great scouting, strong coaching, and the relentless discipline with which they adhere to their possession game is impressive to watch.
I didn't mind seeing them win the cup, it just irked me that the Blackhawks organization kind of handed over a potential dynasty due to off-season complacency and mind-numbing roster management.
I don't know where they got the idea that standing still while everybody else was actively trying to improve was a sound strategy. The best stay the best by constantly trying to improve. That goes for every sport.
I really wanted that repeat... but if the Blackhawks aren't the team that's going to be remembered as the superpower of the 2010s, then I don't mind the Kings being that team instead.