There are options if we're not settled in goal. But I think we need another two pieces on D and F.
We HAVE to get to the point where the culture of our team (and fanbase) doesn't rely on one position beyond the whole. We're fortunate to have Matthews, but we need regular season Matthews to show up in the playoffs. Talk about goalies all we like, that's not the fulcrum of this club. It's Matthews and Marner. What the other pieces should do is buoy them into Gilmour-like berserker mode. To that end, I think we need legitimate menace on the third line and one more like piece in our 5-6 slot.
Repeating myself, but my biggest wish is Michael Mcleod rolling in to our #3 center spot.
If we're facing Florida, we need to really look at those teams and be honest with ourselves and call them the giants they are. And if we get past them, call it what it will be: a perfect stone's throw right between the giant's eyes.
Our club is built not to rely on goaltending. Our club is built to overwhelm with firepower. Campbell was steady. Our offense wasn't. We need a steady Campbell and an offense that's brave and surgical.
Hoping for the best whoever's in net. Have faith in Campbell if he's rested and clear and optimism in Kallgren to take a game. But it looks like there's a loaded Florida team and a consecutive Cup champion on the way to the second round.
Sky isn't falling but for an offense unwilling to charge the opposition. If they aren't willing, we can't expect anyone else to play past their ability or pay grade. There's a hierarchy of blame to be sure. But with Mrazek gone, it's not in net and it's not in the front office come this playoffs time.
I wonder if everyone is prepared to give this team credit if they work hard but fall short?
If we play Tampa and don't go through to the second round, is it unacceptable to our fanbase that a two-time defending Cup champion beat us? Is it the same as losing to last year's Montreal?
I see the distinction. And I don't think Harri Sateri or Kallgren or Campbell or Fleury is it.
