It's true; the Jackets do need two more skilled forwards... Sort of contrary to that I was thinking the other day how amazing it is that the Rangers with guys like Nash, Gaborik (both top picks who starred on their drafting teams), Richards, Stepan Callahan and more are only 8th seeded..
It will take more than just two skilled forwards to win a playoff round, better goaltending and defense will be needed as well, but one thing is for sure, a team can't win if they can't score.
I agree with you Robert.
Team dynamics are so complex and are subjected to factors ranging from history over multiple seasons to what happened just last week.
For instance, even the best rosters can be non-playoff teams if their coach isn't "good." Even a "great" coach can lead his team to an exit in March if his team isn't properly composed.
A silver lining of Ryan Murray being out this year is that he doesn't have to worry about not being able to count on the forwards. His game is one of positioning and puck distribution, a role which requires he is a leader and trusts his teammates. His puck distribution is going to be hurt if he learns early on that passing to a teammate usually results in a turnover or an inability to finish. It's a worry I have with Johansen who is making nifty plays every night but is rarely being rewarded (his only reward seems to come from Prospal and potentially Atkinson). If Murray comes in at the same time as, say, Mackinnon or Drouin that will obviously affect his play.
That doesn't even factor in the nightmare that is goaltending. Goaltending is an X factor that can either sink your team or raise it up on a nightly basis. And it's so inconsistent that even real good goaltenders can look like rookies once in a while and bad goalies can look like Vezina finalists.
Have I mentioned injury status yet? No? Ok well an NHL team has any number of injury concerns occurring every night. Guys are coming in and out of the roster on a regular basis to the point where playing all 82 games is a rarity. If a player is playing injured that obviously affects his game, but it also affects everyone else on the roster. Guys have to tackle more minutes and play with new partners.
Really I can't even begin to comprehend all of the factors that affect team performance. But without skill there isn't much hope is there.