Exactly. So why are people acting like this game is predictive of anything in the playoffs?
It was obviously unreasonable to expect this team to gel right away but can you please give them the benefit of the whole season before setting a cap at their potential? Just from what we've seen so far I think guys like Garbutt, Danaut and even Scuderi can fill in PK roles like Frolik and Smith did. Meanwhile, guys like Shaw and Kruger can continue to be "rollable" like they always have and their new linemates can keep up with them...if you give them time. A championship organization knows how to use the entire season to build the best possible roster heading into the playoffs. Any team that thinks they're set after 36 games is in for a big letdown in spring.
Bottom line suggestion for fans: learn to enjoy the growing process this season. It's ugly at times but they cal them growing pains for a reason. If you can't take 46 games of gelling then find a hobby and wait for the postseason. But to act like every inter-division or road loss is a sign of doom to come four months from now is just foolishness.
Agree....great post T. This season has not been ugly, Kane and Crow are at their best form,,,,Hawks are near the top in the standings.... there will be more moves by Stan before deadline, he knows with players such as Keith, Kane, Toews, Hoss, Seabs & Crow do you just waste a season? hell no! especially when a Cup can possibly be won yet again.
Edit: forget that this team was crap after Jan. 1st last season until po's.....look what happened after that.