So now in a less inebriated state and on a quick break from an 8 hour meeting - I don't disagree with a whole lot of this. I think ultimately we're on the same page. And im not really looking to rehash this topic, as i think we've all kind of exhausted our arguments here. But i do feel like I owe you some sort of response since you took the time to write all this out.
I disagree in principle that you shouldnt be constantly looking for a way to improve. Being stagnant in a business like this, or any, really, is a death wish. If we comfortable settling for 98%, we wouldnt be trying any other line combos out, because we know that G-Couturier is probably that 98% optimal (and to be clear, i'm using 98 as a placeholder for the sake of conversation, Im not actually saying it is 98% optimal). Mixing up things like line chemistry is what you do when you starting reaching those upper echelons where simply adding pieces is no longer viable. As i said, its exponentially harder to go from the 98 to the 99 than it is the 70 to 75, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt be making that effort, either.
I'm still not sure our strong start is 100% us being dominant, but it isnt quite worth the debate, since theres no way to prove it out. I think there are certain players who look fantastic, but I think a lot of us looking dominant has to do with playing opponents who werent all that great, either. Again, I wont attempt to quantify to what degree, but i think that is playing a part. The hawks looked pretty sloppy, and the devils werent much better, in my opinion. Obviously Couturier manhandled Toews, and I havent bothered to look at the advanced stats for last nights game yet (all day meetings suck, and even more so when you're feeling less than 98% yourself, lol) to see where we fell in those terms. 2 games is hardly a sample size im willing to die on, and I'll be interested to see how we progress through the season.
I wholeheartedly agree that fit plays a part, and your Hyman example is a great one. As is the case with the revolving door of players who play with Crosby - some work and some dont, its a matter of style of play. I do think that we could optimize the roster a bit better, while also keeping fit in mind, though. I think what tends to get lost in this topic is that achieving results doesnt necessarily justify the path you took to get there. The penguins won a cup with Bylsma as a coach, and I feel confident in saying he isnt a particularly good coach.
Anyways - we are winning and doing it in a way that's entertaining, to boot. Hockey is fun to watch again, and I like to think we can all agree that that is at least a damn good start.
