I don't think they're praying for anything. No one has said they need to make the playoffs just that they want to see improvements in their young players and be in a position to play meaningful games towards the end of it.
Improvement is going to have to come from the young players: Guhle, Xhekaj, Hutson, Struble & Barron on D. You can't expect more from Matheson/Savard.
Upfront continued improvement from Suzuki & Slafkovsky, better season from Cole and healthy ones from Newhook and Dach.
Until this team can move on from deadweight players like Dvorak, Anderson & Gallagher there's only so much you can do.
I agree with everything except for jumping on the back of Dvorak, Anderson, Gallagher at the end of your post. These are vets who will have good moments and will help our youth.
Don't expect much from Dvorak. He's going to continue to do what he does. Maybe he gets some momentum if he can stay healthy.
Gallagher to me was better in the 2nd half last year. I think he helps our bottom 6 more than hurts it.
Anderson has more to offer. He should be coming in this year with more energy. He's not dumb, he knows how bad his season was. I don't think Hughes/MSL will tolerate complacency this season.
I believe Armia wants to stay in Montreal and take less to stay too! He really did wake up last year and played well in the 2nd half. I'm sure Hughes/MSL told him that if he keeps it up, we have room for him. If he stays at this level, he's a great middle 6F to have IMO.