I mean the team is less talented with Miller out replaced by Chytil and MP.
So it was a year we took a step back for sure.
This. Very much a transitional year, kinda like the 2007-08 season.
If we could time travel to the start of the season and tell ourselves the following would happen over the season:
-JT Miller traded in a Kesler style trade scenario, rumblings hang over the team like a dark cloud.
-Vezina calibre goaltender remains sidelined for most of the season.
-Significant number of injuries to key players including Norris winning Hughes, 1C Pettersson, 2D Hronek, top winger in Boeser et al including finishing the season without our top 2 centres.
Pretty sure the unanimous response would be “…so we’re missing the playoffs then”.
Absolutely disappointing and frustrating season given the positive progress last season, but on the other hand that we were still firmly in a playoff spot until injuries piled up down the stretch suggests we’re not total trash?
I’m cautiously optimistic.
Defence is largely rebuilt now, team is much younger now. Several E Pettersson, Willander, Lekkerimaki, Raty, et al may be mainstays by this time next year.
Some work to restructure our forward group, but workable. Skill obviously at a premium, size and speed through neutral zone will continue to be a priority.
The health of Demko and rebounding of Pettersson will be major factors next year, also the status of Tochett.
Small step back this year, bigger step forward next season. LFG!