At the beginning of the year would any of you believed we are on the verge of making round two without our best player for half the season, Peterson playing so poor he is not even a playoff option, Kopitar show he may not be able to carry a line anymore, and not one of the highly touted prospects providing any offense?
We saw Kaliyev take a tremendous step away from the puck, Durzi make most of us look like idiots, Kempe show he can bury a puck, and Danault show he can single handedly gel a legit second line together.
We were the forgotten team, the constant underdogs. We as a whole questioned the front office, looked in disbelief at the roster moves and wondered if our coaching staff sniffed glue a little to much.
Somewhere through all this a 99 point season and so far 3 playoff wins and crossing fingers for more.
This off season is huge. Blake and Co have seen a lot of the rookies, got to see the coaching staff in all situations and have seen what the development staff and trainers bring. I know we need to bring in some on ice talent and the right type of talent but taking the next step may require changing some of the off ice staff.
Our Prospects and our Special teams need the greatest turn around going into next year. They kind of go hand in hand. Having a Byfield and Kaliyev take that next step could boost the power play.
Full time Doughty and a new big physical Dman would help the PK.
Our biggest need may be getting Peterson back on track because that contract is a killer.
No matter what happens tonight the boys on the ice have played above expectations and we should be proud. We still have an awesome prospect base and we have money under the cap. Future still looks great.