I think we're looking for Varlamov to give us a Binnington miracle run for us to advance in the playoffs. Just the way Lou drew it up, hot goalie and some good breaks.
Isles are too ugly for prime time.
Wonder if we'll see the MC2 line reunited at all during these playoffs. Could be their swan song...
The Hurricanes aren't overly physical. What they are is quick with the puck and with some good skaters. I expect with Roy keeping the fire lit under Engvall's ass that he will have another good series because he'll create room to skate.
I wonder, if 18-44-27 don’t create many scoring chances will we see Engvall rejoin Nelson and Palmieri. With Brock getting hot again, 18-29-21 might be a good play.
Was also thinking about this. Lee and Palmieri together on one line is a huge liability vs. the Canes. the problem is that making that move recreates the problem with Lee-JPG-Fasching. The only other solution is to rejuggle to:
I think the production from the Horvat line will have something do do with what to do with how the middle 6 shapes up. I believe that Barzal has been playing through an injury. Lately his skating looks off. Also, having Cizikas on the Horvat line makes me nauseous. If we need more scoring, I would reunite Engval, Nelson and Palms.
Ok, but are we playing Buffalo/Ottawa/Jersey in Round 1?
Maybe those who said the isles are old, slow, can’t score, can’t defend, can’t do anything right, were wrong?
No, but those other teams were supposed to be better than the Isles in even making the playoffs. Yet, here they are.
I’m just not sure what that has to do with the topic at hand that you seem to be taking issue with: people who don’t feel great about the team’s chances vs. Carolina.
Same ‘feeling’ all season long about making the playoffs. Guess it never ends with that ‘feeling.’
Make the playoffs in Game 81 with a team that is ostensibly worse than last year’s version. Even after a coaching change.
