Despite losing Stamkos, Tampa has 5 players running at a PPG

[SeanMoneyHands]

The two that surprise me the most are Hagel and Cirelli, both having career years. Who here would have thought Hagel and Cirelli would have PPG potential? This team, just like Vegas keeps finding ways to re-tool on the fly. They lose guys like Stamkos, Sergachev, Palat, Killorn and they just keep on rolling.

If Hedman picks it up a bit then they would have 6 players running at a PPG pace. Kucherov still putting up crazy numbers.

How does this team do it? Is it coaching? I think it is. Cooper could still be the best coach in the league. I still think they are a contender, their window never closed. Sure their core has aged but you just can't beat a proven core of Kucherov, Point, Hedman and Vasy come playoff time. There's no team in the NHL that has a core that good in all positions.

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[Rschmitz]

It’s all about Hagel-Cirelli, those two play phenomenal together and both should be in early Selke consideration

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

It’s all about Hagel-Cirelli, those two play phenomenal together and both should be in early Selke consideration

They remind me of when Stephenson and Stone were together. Hagel has turned into on heck of a player. Chicago was dumb for trading him.

 

[895]

I think it might be more "because" and less "despite"

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

This is only a suprise to people who weren't paying attention , kuch is just giving his +20 free points boost to others instead of Stammer

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Aside from Cirelli it's not really a surprise that the others are.

I would have assumed Hedman as the 5th.

 

[DFC]

Honestly, Stamkos was probably holding guys back 5v5, while helping some PP numbers.

I think Hagel has ppg potential. I'd be ecstatic with 60 points from Cirelli.

I'm sure Nashville fans can speak to this by now. Having the one timer threat on the PP is great, but Stamkos is an absolutely anchor to his linemates 5v5.

 

[TheDoldrums]

Sure their core has aged but you just can't beat a proven core of Kucherov, Point, Hedman and Vasy come playoff time.

two straight first round exits fyi, so I guess you can

 

[Rschmitz]

This is only a suprise to people who weren't paying attention , kuch is just giving his +20 free points boost to others instead of Stammer

It's rare that Kucherov plays with Cirelli or Hagel

 

[Fatass]

Tampa was smart. The allocated the Stamkos cap to a younger and (now) much more effective player in Geuntzel.

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

As a team, they’re pacing for their lowest point total in 11 years.

 

[benfranklin]

Cute to lose Stamkos without noting gaining Guentzel. They traded in for the younger gf.

 

[Look Up]

Feel like I just wandered into another hfboards downfall thread.

 

[SoundAndFury]

As a team, they’re pacing for their lowest point total in 11 years.

Yes, their offensive depth is terrible by design with only 6 forwards making over a million. But keeping Stamkos certainly wouldn't have helped.

Regarding pace, I don't think it means anything. Last year they had 25 points after 25 games.

 

[Madap]

And they still suck, damn

 

[SoundAndFury]

Chicago was dumb for trading him.

They got 2 first-round picks and 2 decent prospects for it. For Brandon freaking Hagel. Come on now.