A lot of hockey fans didn't buy in to their completely out of whack hype job. They had a completely unsustainable run last year and this offseason completely changed the identity of their team. They don't have role players anymore, just a bunch of guys that want to shoot on the powerplay. The core wasn't good enough to supplement with a couple of former stars on retirement contracts.
The hype from the media that had predictions as far as them winning the Western Conference were completely out of touch the moment they were made. They were a good story last year, and because they have a fanbase that doesn't annoy people through social media or wherever they were given flowers on their offseason.
It was fun seeing us sign these guys for sure. As many have said, you don't win a Cup in July. A few thoughts about FA and Askarov.
1. You are spot on with the "streak". While they had a great record for a long stretch of play, it was a mirage by playing so-so teams or good teams who were missing core players. I want to say we beat Vegas and both Eichel and Stone were out and I think Piertrangelo was too.
2. There hasn't been a team in my recollection that had a core as old as Nashville's that won a Cup. If we had added Stamkos and Marchessault to a contending roster where youth were driving the play, that would've been a different story.
3. They didn't address the center situation in FA, which is where they should've put their money. Counting on Novak to be the 2C hasn't worked out. ROR is a step slower this year and looks like a low end 2C or high end 3C at this point in his career.
4. While I get Trotz was going all in with these signings, he also tied the team to Saros because he thought he might have a contender. My guess is he got the big 3 to sign because he told them Saros would be here for the foreseeable future. While Saros has been a top 5 goalie over the past several years, hitching your wagon to a guy who hasn't won a playoff series wasn't the play to make.
When Poile was stepping down and Trotz was taking over, the team was selling off pieces. That was the time to move Saros as he had 2 full seasons left on a ridiculous contract with 3 playoffs to play. While Nashville has always built from the goalie out, you had your future goalie in place, you had a good young pipeline, give the reigns to the kids and Askarov. If they flopped, high draft pick last year, in a strong draft. Instead, they've moved on from some good young talent, stockpiled picks for this coming draft, which is relatively weak so saying, hey, we've got 3 1st round picks, is not really exciting this fan.
