Long season guys, this part always comes. For the teams that win the Presidents Trophy or otherwise cruise unimpeded this comes at some point of the playoffs and they bounce out. Its not a big deal to struggle or even lose the division title, although I doubt it comes to that. It's all about having guys in relatively good shape, having a good feel for what you have and not having the lucky stick hit your opponents over their heads. Do that and the playoff series wins come. Get a little lucky when needed and some shiny silverware comes your way. The best team doesn't win the Cup, the team that navigates trouble best does.
Easy to fret about a player or home ice advantage in the long season, but trust me you'll forget it right away come playoffs. Whether Reaves is playing, whether it's Merrill or Hunt as 6D, whether Tatar is on the 2nd or 3rd line..these all are irrelevant in April so let's just get through this last push healthier and with a better understanding of our team and let the cards fall where they may.