We thought we could stretch pass and play 20 min of hockey every game into the Stanley Cup. Eventually, the team that skates and puts shots on net for a full 60 is the one that prevails.
I'd be bummed if I thought we deserved this series or wouldn't get buried by SJ, but that's not the case.
Some afterthoughts going to the offseason:
Cooper - Yzerman needs to look long and hard at the mentality he's bringing to this team. This could easily be a back-to-back Stanley Cup winning team if he managed his rosters/players better, didn't promote such a finesse, perfectionist style of play, and got his guys motivated/prepared for postseason games. I honestly think when you can admit you have the talent to win a Cup and it might be the coach holding you back, it's time to start considering other options. In a vacuum that might sound ludicrous given SCF and ECF appearances in consecutive seasons, but I remain extremely underwhelmed with Cooper's coaching.
Spot on for Cooper. I don't think you fire him without someone else already in mind and with some sort of commitment. Cooper is a good coach but not necessarily the best coach for our style and age of team.
Stralman - I give him a pass based on the injury. His minutes should have been limited as soon as his immense struggles became a trend. This one's on coaching (see above).
I also think Hedman's play immediately dropped when Stralman came back. Not sure why. He was a stud all year but was clearly not up to 100% when he came back. He got passed by at the blue line a few too many times in the Pens series for my liking but he will be fine next year (when healthy).
Hedman - Dude is both Jekyl and Hyde. He'll win you games and make rookie mistakes the next. I suppose I'm his biggest critic cause I've been saying he's defensively overrated for years. I think he's always going to leave a meh taste in my mouth.
I though Heddy was a monster up until the Pens series. Then his play dropped off. Thought he really carried play for long stretches in the first 2 series.
Drouin - His potential far outweighs the few mental lapses he makes here and there. Hopefully, he has wants to stay in Tampa. But I wouldn't blame him, given how Cooper has treated him, if he wants to bail. He is a must re-sign. The kid is a star.
Could not agree more, kid proved what a stud he really is. What will really shape our team next year is does he want to stay??? If he stays we are in good shape regardless of Stamkos. If he wants to leave he should get quite the ransom but I see that more in picks or younger prospects as opposed to a direct replacement caliber player. That makes our future team better but we are worse in the short term.
Filppula - I don't think you can re-sign a guy just to win faceoffs. Unless you can Manchurian Candidate him to start shooting, I think you gotta try and trade him. He's not even close to being worth 5 mil a year.
I own a Flip jersey and he had an incredible 1st year with us, but sorry to say I think he has to go. He is versatile but paid a lot for mostly winning faceoffs. I think there are much cheaper options out there or use Names more in that role.
Palat - What happened to him!? Maybe the biggest decline of anyone on the team? I'm baffled as to what to do with him.
I think Palat was actually really bad in the Pens series. Even defensively he was terrible. Can't explain it, maybe sophomore slump? But he was a disappointment this year in the POs.
TJ - Someone teach this kid to play defense. Please.
TJ was also a little disappointing offensively. Maybe he just way over achieved last year? Thought he could have been better, although he did take a beating again.
Stammer - It's been a fun ride, but for the love of god don't pay him 10+ mil. Let him rot in Toronto if he wants to get paid.
Hate to see him go, but he can only stay for the right price.
Paqman has played hurt most of the year from what I heard from local sports radio. Does not make a lot, decent enough bottom 6 guy.
Koekkoek - Needs to be a permanent fixture on the D.
probably would have seen more time during the year this year if we had a different coach etc. I think he will be a regular next year with the Bolts! Looking forward to DeAngelo eventually joining him up with the big boys!
Sustr - Can't believe the turnaround this guy has had. Major props for stepping up, especially on the biggest stage.
I disagree here, I thought he was decent enough until the Pens series. He seems to lose his confidence during that series and played scared. I thought he was excellent the first year he was here, played smart defense. Last year he was not very good, and this year he has progressed over last year, but I still don't think he is good as he was his first year. I think the additional minutes he has been asked to play have exposed more of his weaknesses this year.
Carle - DUMP. No explanation needed.
Callahan & Boyle - Love you guys. Get 4 more just like them.
Agreed although Cally does make a lot of money. I think we will need to buy him out or trade him before his contract is up, I am happy to have him back next year. Adds a lot of items to the team, even if its not always on the scoresheet.
All the above is mostly nitpicking the team. Pretty happy overall with how well they played despite all the injuries etc. Really there is only 1 team's fan base each year who is actually happy with the year's results. Given that we did not get the cup pretty happy with how the team battled.
