Official 2024-25 Utah HC Season Discussion.

[Stanley Thermos]

BA was saying on a podcast with Petey that the playoffs are a different animal, and he mentioned how hitting really takes a big jump. He stated facts, but I forgot what he said, but I was astounded at the difference. You need size to withstand, and to hand out hits. I agree, BA will add size.

He said playoff games see an average increase of 28 more hits per game. That’s quite a jump.

 

[Jakey53]

He said playoff games see an average increase of 28 more hits per game. That’s quite a jump.

I knew it was something like that. That is a lot. I would never have thought that. Now you know why winning the SC is so damn hard.

 

[TheLegend]

Stanley Cup playoffs is more or less a war of attrition.

 

[TheLegend]

 

[Coyotedroppings]

I think you got it exactly! I have lost patience / faith in BA. There is a beer in the mail for you ladd

Well, he seems to be sticking to your original plan.

 

[Mangosteen]

I will agree with you there. Stable as a brick

 

[Mangosteen]

Ok you guys sold me on giving BA another year. Hopefully these Russian reaches pay off. Bear I am still not sold on.

 

[EXTRAS]

Wondering what mcbain will get. I wonder how many years. With cap shooting up wouldn't be surprised at 6 years and a more than expected cap hit.

 

[Summer Rose]

Wondering what mcbain will get. I wonder how many years. With cap shooting up wouldn't be surprised at 6 years and a more than expected cap hit.

I love McBain but he’s the type of player where I feel like it would be a mistake to give him 6 years. That’s the kind of contract that Lou Lamoriello would give.

Agree that it’ll be higher AAV than we might initially expect though.

 

[EXTRAS]

I love McBain but he’s the type of player where I feel like it would be a mistake to give him 6 years. That’s the kind of contract that Lou Lamoriello would give.

Agree that it’ll be higher AAV than we might initially expect though.

I'd agree if he were 28 or 29 but he's 25 so I think locking up his late 20s would be a smart move.

 

[TheLegend]

 

[Arizonatah]

 

[Jakey53]

Hope BA is listening. Cooley is 100% correct.

 

[Mangosteen]

BA is a sandbagging ....... Wait my Mom taught if you don't have anything nice to say... Umm he looks like Clark Kent

 

[Arizonatah]

Hope BA is listening.

How so? He is repeating what BA has been saying for months now. Parroting the expectations BA has set publicly. Even used BA's term "meaningful" while regurgitating it. Sounded to me like Cooley is the one that's been listening and message has been received that everyone needs to take another (big) step forward...

What am I missing?

 

[Coyotedroppings]

I don't think being blown out in round (inevitable outcome) one would have been best for this team, this season. They should have a better chance at being competitive next season, particularly with some roster improvement.

 

[Schemp]

I don't think being blown out in round (inevitable outcome) one would have been best for this team, this season. They should have a better chance at being competitive next season, particularly with some roster improvement.

I kinda also think about how last off-season went, with the sudden unprepared move. They probably could use the extra time this off-season to help get acclimated to life in Utah. I guess they get a free pass for being the inaugural season.

NO EXCUSE FOR NEXT SEASON

 

[cobra427]

I don't think being blown out in round (inevitable outcome) one would have been best for this team, this season. They should have a better chance at being competitive next season, particularly with some roster improvement.

Then it will happen next season. Inexperienced playoff teams lose in round 1. I would have rather seen us make it in and go through the first round loss this year versus next year.

 

[Coyotedroppings]

Then it will happen next season. Inexperienced playoff teams lose in round 1. I would have rather seen us make it in and go through the first round loss this year versus next year.

BIG difference between losing and blown out.

 

[Jakey53]

I don't think being blown out in round (inevitable outcome) one would have been best for this team, this season. They should have a better chance at being competitive next season, particularly with some roster improvement.

If Utah made the playoffs, they would probably lose, but I don't think they would be blown out. They might have lost in four or five games but I would think they could have made it difficult. The sooner a team gets to the playoffs and gains that experience the better.

 

[Jakey53]

How so? He is repeating what BA has been saying for months now. Parroting the expectations BA has set publicly. Even used BA's term "meaningful" while regurgitating it. Sounded to me like Cooley is the one that's been listening and message has been received that everyone needs to take another (big) step forward...

What am I missing?

Cooley wants the playoffs, but the roster needs improvement, and that is up to BA.

 

[lanky]

Cooley wants the playoffs, but the roster needs improvement, and that is up to BA.

Roster might not need much. This is one of the youngest teams in the league. An extra year of growth and experience counts for something.

I see a hole at 2LW but every other position seems pretty well covered.

 

[Jakey53]

Roster might not need much. This is one of the youngest teams in the league. An extra year of growth and experience counts for something.

I see a hole at 2LW but every other position seems pretty well covered.

And a high end 2C. Hard to find though. I still maintain there will 3-5 roster changes for next year. The bottom line is Utah did not make the playoffs because they are not good enough.

 

[cobra427]

BIG difference between losing and blown out.

We have to remember the likely steps for this team, if the rebuild works, so far we have a young team that has improved and young players with "potential". Some players can regress, like Maccelli/Crouse, it could happen next year with Cooley/Gunts.

Step 1 to validation is making the playoffs, we haven't done it yet, we are all hoping its next year. Keep in mind we need a solid 10+ point improvement to get in. We improved roughly 10 points this year, but it is way easier to go from 77 to 87 points then it is from 87 to 97. If we get in next year, we are likely to lose in the first round, that is how it works with a young team. In year or two or three, we likely win a round, and then we will see what happens, assuming this works.

I was hoping we would make the playoffs this year, the team needs to take that next step, sorry they weren't really close. I am tired of the "meaningful games" nebulous goal being set, give BA credit we kind of hit it. I am glad BA is saying our goal is to make the playoffs next year, funny thing about goals is you don't hit them if they aren't set.

 

[Mangosteen]

And a high end 2C. Hard to find though. I still maintain there will 3-5 roster changes for next year. The bottom line is Utah did not make the playoffs because they are not good enough.

Kinda agree but man reason is we didn't get support with all the key injuries. BA made the choice not to make the playoffs this year.