As frustrating as last night was, I'm so f***ing proud of how this team has battled this season.
Our schedule has been absolutely ridiculous and we've managed things brilliantly.
Our sputtering PP is concerning, but I think we'll get it adjusted over the next few weeks as we get some days off and practice reps in.
I'm happy our PK has slowly been improving, we'll get no where in the playoffs if it continued the way it was earlier in the season.
Our roster feels much more balanced and complete from top to bottom than it has in a decade+, we have two very good to sensational goalies.
Role players are buying in AND breaking out as well.
This is a very good team and I stand by what I said earlier in the season: I think we're a notch below the top tier contenders right now but with a bit of savvy additions to the roster we could very quickly jump to the top tier.
Our management group will now have to show that not only can they assemble a great organization, but can KEEP it.
This could all go sideways if we don't find a way to start locking a few players up to efficient contracts or over commit to the wrong players.
I went into this year with a cautious hope, looking to see us take a few baby steps forward.
Then my expectations jumped and I thought playoffs are a must, and doing damage in the first round would be great, and anything more is gravy.
Today, my expectations have gone up even more, I won't be satisfied with anything less than a first round win and making noise in round 2.
This is a hell of a ride!