I'm not sure you watched the Ranger games because their performance on ice has been inspiring, stats be damned. and +/- stats? that is more of an indication of being on the ice for all of the Sedins' goals (and over 4 full series at that). Exhibit A, Marek Malik. IIRC Marleau could not be contained that series vs Van. They just outscored the Sharks with their potent scoring. Nashville was no legit offense threat. Chicago almost made them blow a 3-0 lead and made the Canucks look terrible in that process. blowouts IIRC. They barely managed to get out of that series. Thanks for clarifying all the injury statuses. I remember there were guys going down but not sure when.
So, yes, I have reconsidered and I have come to the same conclusion. Again, that was a good team and yes, we are definitely enjoying the benefits of a healthy roster (knock on wood). We are not better offensively but McD-G, Staal-Strals we HAVE contained the other teams. McD is playing at a Norris level right now (keep Ehrhoff!) Looking at the first two series, outside of checks, Hartnell was a non-factor. Giroux got his points but he was very invisible in that series. Same with Crosby. Malkin had a little more success but we are talking out the TOP scorers in the league that were neutralized.
I will agree Van was foolish to not retain Erhoff. $4M AAV is a great deal for a player of his caliber. Was wishing we could have got him that summer myself but we spent all our money on Beaver.