Things tend to tighten up in the playoffs, and matchups become incredibly key. Regular season records become pointless. I get that the Bs have been a great regular season team, but anyone thinking this team as-is can beat TB in a 7 game playoff series is dreaming. TB's D and goaltending might not be quite as strong as that of the Bs, but it's offensive depth can more than offset the slight drop in D/goalie that it loses to that of Boston. Boston is still essentially a one-line offensive and PP team. Sure, it can get some contributions from the middle 6, but it is not going to be enough offense to take down TB in a seven game series. Add to that, TB is not the only team that can give the Bs fits come playoff time. I still maintain Boston got very lucky last season to make the SCF due to a couple huge upsets of teams Boston did not match up with well. They then got upset by an inferior Blues team in the finals. I'm not sure anyone can count on that kind of luck two seasons in a row.
DS absolutely has to deliver before the deadline if the Bs are going to win a Cup this season. The Bs beyond the first line do not have much they can count on to score the even strength goals necessary to go all the way in the playoffs. The fourth line as currently constructed, and as currently playing, is an issue as well. The Bs need to add the obvious 2RW, and ideally an upgrade on the third line. The answer to upgrading the fourth line is already here. Players such as Kuhlman and Blidh could really make that fourth line formidable. A Cup run is going to be all about offensive depth. The D and goaltending are more than fine.
