One graphic I saw during the game last night that surprised me. It showed 3 or 4 teams tied for first with 8 10+-goal scorers and the Avs were next with 7. We also have 3 more scorers at 8 so it looks like depth scoring hasn't been that much of a problem. Obviously the top line and top-4 dmen are being overplayed due to injuries to Lehky, Nuke, Byram, Landy as well and lack of a 2C. Our 2rd line is also being overplayed due to injuries and Ryjo but they have provided secondary scoring when needed.
I would still say the depth scoring is an issue... But ya its definitely nowhere near the biggest issues right now. Drouin stepping up the way he has, really has helped those concerns a lot for me. LOC continuing to handle his minutes and play effectively also helps.
I've said this before and still think its true. This team is really only 2 pieces away from being a top, top tier contender in my eyes and I'm still not totally convinced about the 2nd piece. Those two pieces being a legit 2C, and a starting goalie. Assuming Nuke will be back with the team and healthy by playoffs at least, and not accounting for any other potential injuries between now and the playoffs, I really do think the only thing the forward group needs is a legit 2C behind Mack.
Drouin - Mack - Mikko
Lehky - 2C - Nuke
Wood - Colton - LOC
Cogs - Olofsson - Kiviranta
With a Wildcard like Kovalenko on the way as well as the possible playoff return of Landy. Maybe it would be worth adding one more 3rd line winger for cheap at the deadline, but otherwise I really think the Forwards are in good shape EXCEPT for the 2C spot.
On Defense, This group is essentially the same group they won the cup with 2 years ago. We know they're more then capable of winning again. Probably wouldn't hurt to grab a depth RD to sort of replace EJ spot in the depth chart, but that's pretty much it. You also then have Malinski as a PMD replacement in case anything happens to G or Byram, which they didn't really have on that Cup run.
Goaltending is the other major concern besides 2C right now but I'm still not totally convinced its a major concern. Obviously George has sucked ass so far but I'm not ready to throw in the towel on him as the starting goalie yet. I'd instead perhaps look at grabbing a 1B type from the market. Ideally someone on a 1 year deal to make things easier next summer, but if they need to get a guy with term like Allen then so be it, solve that problem in the summer.