Dallas is a Paper Tiger

[VivaLasVegas]

IMHO, Dallas is a very good team but they have at least the following disadvantages in this series:

* Pete DeBoer is a fine coach, but he can only take you so far.

* About 20 of the Vegas players know the DeBoer system inside and out from his time in Vegas.

* Dallas doesn't have the size to bull their way to the front of the net and thus is stuck shooting low-odds shots from the perimeter with nobody near the net to deflect shots or clean up rebounds.

* Dallas doesn't have the size to win most of the man-on-man board battles.

* Dallas is fantastic and deadly in open speed games, but if you can slow down the game and jam things up they really don't have an option to break through that.

* Vegas baits Dallas (read: DeBoer) into trying to play physical and make lots of hits, like last night, but that just takes Dallas out of their own game. Did that last season, wash-rinse-repeat.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

They give me big 2006-2019 Sharks vibes unfortunately. I think the group will get a Cup at some point but it might take some time as Johnston and Stankoven get more experience.

 

[Bleedred]

I can't understand why Oettinger is so hyped, other than a 7 game playoff series in 2022 where his team didn't even win.

He doesn't exceed his expected numbers by a whole lot. Barely broke above even in the regular season both this year and 21-22 on both moneypuck and evolving hockey. Broke a bit above even last year on moneypuck, but waayyyyyy above even in 2022-2023 on evolving hockey. He broke below even on both in 20-21. He was a rookie, I know, so it's whatever.

Maybe on natural stat trick he's better. I mostly don't use it because the site is too hard to read lol.

The most redeeming qualities about him are that he's only 25 and has shown to have the ability to be a real workhorse goalie when healthy.

But the expected save percentages in Dallas typically exceed the league averages by a significant amount (not this year) and Oettinger exceeds what's expected by just a little bit. Wedgewood performs at a similar level, albeit in far fewer games played, which I don't put as much value into as the guy that plays a whole lot.

The cremains of Braden Holtby also put up similar numbers to Oettinger in 2021-2022 after several years of poor, far below average play in both Washington and Vancouver.

If you dropped him on a team like Buffalo I could easily see him putting up similar numbers to what Levi put up last year.

 

[Spotty 2 Hotty]

OP always has the biggest hard-on to shit on the Stars every chance he gets like the Rangers don't also choke away every playoff run despite being loaded with "superstars".

Your team doesn't even GET to face the Stanley Cup Champs, so maybe pipe down.

 

[EpochLink]

I expected better from Dallas, pretty much a DUD this post season. The young guns haven’t really done much which is disappointing.

 

[flying squirrel]

This reads like a very long winded way of calling Vegas bush league and Tampa totally fine for doing the same thing with the same result.

Nah, just telling world what took place and trying to keep it real. One can't tell Vegas bush-league LTIR story without mentioning other NHL teams non-use of LTIR, other "Cup" winners methods with LTIR, etc. If anyone can tell Vegas bush-league LTIR tactics without all that info, I'd love to read it!!! Lightning are part of that story, and both two organizations aren't even close to how they operated, built teams, or their use of LTIR. It's comparing Apples -vs- Coal between these two.... Vegas going all-in with bush-league LTIR tactics and blatant tactics used these last 3 yrs have/are showing world what's up. Stink NHL has rule issue and sure it can be abused, But should it matters, taints everything Vegas is doing and I loved them before all this. We pulled for Vegas during their 1st "Cup" appearance, but as new information/behavior has happened from Vegas. So did our feelings about them...

Tell ya the truth, all this makes me quite happy to witnessed as a Lightning fan. There was always going to be those who hated Lightning because their successes.That's only natural, and I'd be more worried about NHL fans, if this didn't exist afterwards. But now Vegas abuses with LTIR brings more attention between these two organizations and other NHL clubs methods used. Just one comparison example: Kucherov sat out whole regular season when Lightning used LTIR. Kucherov didn't go down 3 yrs straight right before trade deadline. Then Lightning sigh other NHL team "Franchise" quality players to make playoff runs with. That's night & day difference, and there's much more when one looks under hood. Then add in yr Kucherov had this season, has won 2 Art Ross, playoff proven. etc. I'm guessing this has caused others around NHL to see what we Lightning fans have already known since 2015. Just how important Kucherov is to Lightning's teams. Lightning actually risked something during whole regular season, and before Kuch's season ending surgery, they didn't know what results would come from that. Again, one can't tell Vegas LTIR story without mentioning other "Cup" LTIR uses or non-uses. Can we? This story just happens to involved Lightning, Hawks, and others when trying to show differences.

Was trying not to list any clubs by name if possible (Was tough to do). But there's a post I made here not long ago here. That compares Lightning -vs- Vegas LTIR usage,, how they were built, how they used LTIR, and so on. If you or anyone else wants to read it. But that post is "Long winded", doesn't have shock-and-awe headlines, and takes time to read through. Not what most are looking for or have time to read. So doubt many have read it or will read it. No biggie, it is there for anyone who does...

To finish, Dallas and west have to deal with Vegas bush-league tactics way more than any East NHL club has too. Lightning or any other east teams odds of dealing with Vegas are slim. Now Dallas and other west clubs trying to clinch playoff spots last 3 yrs or win west playoff series will deal with this bush-league way more so. In life, one can find themselves -vs- bush-league tactics anywhere: In work place, in neighborhood, within own family, and throughout. One has to smack that back were it came from, or roll up in little-ball to cry about it. Dallas, west and anyone who might face Vegas in SCF's. Has to do the same because no one is saving them but themselves.

Again, good luck Dallas! You fans have got a great team, that has bad draw for many reasons

 

[Bleedred]

They give me big 2006-2019 Sharks vibes unfortunately. I think the group will get a Cup at some point but it might take some time as Johnston and Stankoven get more experience.

I'm not sure what their prospect pool looks like, but have heard it's good.

They may be better off in 3-4 years when the old guys like Pavelski, Suter, Benn, Duchene and Seguin are all gone.

Some of these players are still good and I'd love to see Pavelski win the cup, but they just have too many older guys and they're slow because of it.

 

[Paper]

Nothing wrong with paper.

 

[Bleedred]

Pretty sure Dallas would slap OP's team around. So an interesting take

As a Devils fan, I WISH, but I don't really think they would.

I'd hope they did, but I'm not sure they would.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Nah, just telling world what took place and trying to keep it real. One can't tell Vegas bush-league LTIR story without mentioning other NHL teams non-use of LTIR, other "Cup" winners methods with LTIR, etc. If anyone can tell Vegas bush-league LTIR tactics without all that info, I'd love to read it!!! Lightning are part of that story, and both two organizations aren't even close to how they operated, built teams, or their use of LTIR. It's comparing Apples -vs- Coal between these two.... Vegas going all-in with bush-league LTIR tactics and blatant tactics used these last 3 yrs have/are showing world what's up. Stink NHL has rule issue and sure it can be abused, But should it matters, taints everything Vegas is doing and I loved them before all this. We pulled for Vegas during their 1st "Cup" appearance, but as new information/behavior has happened from Vegas. So did our feelings about them...

Tell ya the truth, all this makes me quite happy to witnessed as a Lightning fan. There was always going to be those who hated Lightning because their successes.That's only natural, and I'd be more worrier if this didn't exist afterwards. But now Vegas abuses with LTIR brings more attention between these two organizations and other NHL clubs methods used. Just one comparison example: Kucherov sat out whole regular season when Lightning used LTIR. Kucherov didn't go down 3 yrs straight right before trade deadline. Then Lightning sigh other NHL team "Franchise" quality players to make playoff runs with. That's night & day difference, and there's much more when one looks under hood. Then add in yr Kucherov had this season, has won 2 Art Ross, playoff proven. etc. I'm guessing this has caused others around NHL to see what we Lightning fans have already known since 2015. Just how important Kucherov is to Lightning's teams. Lightning actually risked something during whole regular season, they didn't know what results would come from that. Again, one can't tell Vegas LTIR story without mentioning other "Cup" LTIR uses or non-uses. Can we? This story just happens to involved Lightning, Hawks, and others when trying to show differences.

Was trying not to list any clubs by name if possible (Was tough to do). But there's a post I made here not long ago here. That compares Lightning -vs- Vegas LTIR usage,, how they were built, how they used LTIR, and so on. If you or anyone else wants to read it. But that post is "Long winded", doesn't have shock-and-awe headlines, and takes time to read through. Not what most are looking for or have time to read. So doubt many have read it or will read it. No biggie, it is there for anyone who does...

To finish, Dallas and west have to deal with Vegas bush-league tactics way more than any East NHL club has too. Lightning or any other east teams odds of dealing with Vegas are slim. Now Dallas and other west clubs trying to clinch playoff spots last 3 yrs or win west playoff series will deal with this bush-league way more so. In life, one can find themselves -vs- bush-league tactics anywhere: In work place, in neighborhood, within own family, and throughout. One has to smack that back were it came from, or roll up in little-ball to cry about it. Dallas, west and anyone who might face Vegas in SCF's. Has to do the same because no one is saving them but themselves.

Again, good luck Dallas! You fans have got a great team, that has bad draw for many reasons

So yeah, that confirms what I said. Homer goggles are strong.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

I'm not sure what their prospect pool looks like, but have heard it's good.

They may be better off in 3-4 years when the old guys like Pavelski, Suter, Benn, Duchene and Seguin are all gone.

Some of these players are still good and I'd love to see Pavelski win the cup, but they just have too many older guys and they're slow because of it.

Pavelski has looked old for much of the season, Hintz has looked slightly off at times during the season, and Robertson hasn't been elite of elite, but still very good. Duchene really helped, plus Johnston turning into a beast, Benn still contributing, and nice contributions from Harley and Stankoven at the end of the season.

 

[Bleedred]

Dallas can still win this series, by the way.

I'm not saying they can't or that they won't.

I'm surprised they didn't split at home.

Pavelski has looked old for much of the season, Hintz has looked slightly off at times during the season, and Robertson hasn't been elite of elite, but still very good. Duchene really helped, plus Johnston turning into a beast, Benn still contributing, and nice contributions from Harley and Stankoven at the end of the season.

I'm not saying any of them didn't contribute positively, I've just been skeptical that with that many older guys that they wouldn't run out of gas before the finish line.

The finish line meaning the cup, not the first round of the playoffs lol.

 

[flying squirrel]

Dallas can still win this series, by the way.

I'm not saying they can't or that they won't.

I'm surprised they didn't split at home.


I'm not saying any of them didn't contribute positively, I've just been skeptical that with that many older guys that they wouldn't run out of gas before the finish line.

The finish line meaning the cup, not the first round of the playoffs lol.

Yep, Dallas either turns it around or go home. With their goalie play and if offense gets going, they've got a chance. But those thinking Dallas is a paper tiger are mistaken, they just got bad draw for many reasons.

 

[TheNumber4]

Parity in this League is tight and that’s a good thing. Dallas has proven to be a powerhouse team this year but the margins are thin. And when you face a team that cheats and can ice a more valuable roster than you, the scales tip against their favor.

 

[flying squirrel]

So yeah, that confirms what I said. Homer goggles are strong.

Guess we're all not getting that Vegas bush-league LTIR story, from you, without using other NHL clubs LTIR usage info .......

Edit: gotta go play some updated Fallout 4 before games start. If ya leave something with substance, will get back at ya. Peace everyone........

 

[Borsig]

lot of luck involved in hockey.

And cap cheating. There's that too.

(not a fan of either team - just saying)

 

[Nicko999]

I have Dallas winning the Cup so they are definitely not off to a good start.

With that being said, Vegas is the team to beat with Colorado so if there is one team I would have picked that had a chance against Dallas, it would be Vegas.
Still, it's 2 one goal games so it's not like one team is dominating the other.

 

[wgknestrick]

OP always has the biggest hard-on to shit on the Stars every chance he gets like the Rangers don't also choke away every playoff run despite being loaded with "superstars".

Your team doesn't even GET to face the Stanley Cup Champs, so maybe pipe down.

You get em, caveman.

 

[Xirik]

OP always has the biggest hard-on to shit on the Stars every chance he gets like the Rangers don't also choke away every playoff run despite being loaded with "superstars".

Your team doesn't even GET to face the Stanley Cup Champs, so maybe pipe down.

Same with the Devils

 

[MrHeiskanen]

I expected better from Dallas, pretty much a DUD this post season. The young guns haven’t really done much which is disappointing.

Time to start watching the games before posting about them.

 

[PettersonHughes]

Lol each game was pretty much a one-goal loss (4-3 in game one, 3-1 with an empty netter in game 2). Eichel had a big game 2 and Thompson made some big saves but this series should be far from over unless the Stars really collapse, as the first two have been close.

Also, Vegas, cheating, cap circumvention, all that.

 

[Some Other Flame]

Damn, so much for Conroy following the Dallas model.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

Dallas got the 8 seed. Unfortunatly that 8 seed is Vegas.

On the LTIR stuff. I believe last year there roster they iced was below the salary cap. This year it is different.

Also multiple teams do this. It's a loop hole the owners and players have left in.
Can't fault Vegas seeing Tampa Bay execute this strategy and then them doing it themselves.

 

[UnSandvich]

Tbh Dallas needs Oettinger to help bridge the gap Vegas created with their cap circumvention, and thus far he hasn’t

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

They are the hipster team right now because of their drafting and that they are an NHL Southern market and that they have a lot of good players without a big hole in their team.

But they aren't a team that scares you. They don't have any of the NHL's true elite players. Heiskanen might the closest they have, but lets face it most people aren't picking him over Makar, Fox, Hedman, Hughes. Robertson and Hintz are players that often get a reputation as underrated offensive players around the league, but they aren't even facing up to Stone and Eichel, let alone what a potential matchup with McDrai would like like. Oettinger has had a mediocre year and right now isn't the player he's known as.

Their young players are good, but not ready to carry them yet and they aren't like Bedard level guys either.

They're pretty damn good for being at the beginning of a rebuild/reset, in transition from the previous core to the new one. Their brightest days are ahead of them, whereas Vegas is in a true win-now mode.

Also, Oettinger is just having an off-year. It happens to every good goalie.