Blame Cal, blame Blake, but also partially blame Quick, for losing his level he had a year ago….no one expected Cal to faulter this far. the contract was a bit rich, but not far out of line. I think the fact Cal had a stellar WC for team USA and goaltender of the tournament, somewhat show that he was trending up and at the top of his game. The contract followed after that.
BLake not filling the goalie pipeline and signing / acquiring a better LHD option other than Edler was a fail. Losing Maatta and bringing back Edler, meant that a legit in his prime, minimum third pairing LHD was a must, last SUmmer.
Now, what seems to be true, JQ wanting to continue playing and get another contract is true? Then this trade was a necessity, if you’re wanting to improve the team in the 2 weakest areas. JQ is not going to play and he’s walking after this season.
Gavrikov is the LHD I would want over Orlov, Chychrun, McCabe, Ekholm. To win in the playoffs, will take. 2 top D pairings and a top tier goalie. Coperator has zero playoff e perience and Korpisalo has 2 shutouts and great playoff numbers. Its honestly amazing the KIngs were contending for division first, without 2 top pairings, less than stellar goaltending and FIala not even fitting on any line in a permanent sense.
After just seeing Gav 2 games, by the end of the year he may be the top D here, period.
He‘s saying he’s just going out there and playing but will get better. Damn.
I’m now wishing Moore didn’t get 4 million ; pretty much feels like based on his last yr….and hoping GAv and KOrp can both sign. On my iPad and the accessory keyboard is trash. Errr. Blake put the KIngs in the situation to lose out on one or both staying, but also put this team in a very good place to win a western championship. I like any matchup, with 2 top D pairs, a near elite goalie and rolling with it. Byfield and GAbe were non factors last playoff and Fiala, DD and Arvy were not here / or playing.
If the Kings make the finals, sure the EAst will be favored 4-0 or 4-1 series. I’ll take it
and anything is possible, if this team has 12 wins….possibly having won a Series 4-1 rolling in.