The entire organization is just four years old. What they've achieved as an expansion team in a league with this many teams is incredible. Did they blow it against Montreal? 100%. Are they chokers for losing in their first year of existence to a better Washington team? Are they chokers for losing a tough first round series the next year? Or only reaching the CF last year?
It's an absurd label to put on them. Totally absurd. Lacks all context.
I have provided plenty of context though. I’ve also stated that I don’t give them flak for losing in the finals against Washington. Even the following year they lost in the first round after adding Mark Stone. It is considered a disappointment when a cup finalist fails to advance past the first round, but if you want to give them a pass here? Go for it.
While only 4 years old, they aren’t the same team they were in year one. They’ve added high end talent like Paccioretty and Pietrangelo, acquired Lehner to pair with Fleury and form arguably the league’s best tandem. Their team is loaded with size and speed. Multiple players have won championships as well, plenty of guys who have been there and done it.
What about the trend of these last two seasons though? Blowing it against Dallas and the. Blowing it even harder against Montreal. How long are we to say “well they are only 4”. They are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Three conference finals in four years, with a first round exit sprinkled in. Doesn’t matter if your 4 or 100. That’s a choke job. Even if you take the first two seasons out, still a choke job. What more context do you need to have?
