Depth vs Elite Top Liners - which style has a better shot at the Cup?
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Sting
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The options are kind of strange.
As an example, Tampa's top players are arguably better than Dallas or Boston. Same goes for Toronto, and you could make a case for Washington to an extent.
As an example, Tampa's top players are arguably better than Dallas or Boston. Same goes for Toronto, and you could make a case for Washington to an extent.
Critical13
Fear is the mind-killer.
Based on top line goals as a % of team goals. I just took the top 3. I think Tampa is up there too, they have it all.
Tampa has more freedom with their 5% State taxes. Their stars sign for less.
Depth wins championships, but it's more defense.
Depth wins championships, but it's more defense.
The Macho King
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I mean... the depth group has some friggin elite top liners of their own.
Edit: I also question the wisdom of loading up top lines with your 3 best forwards. Two I get. But with three... I mean you're just draining the ability to have a second line chip in as well.
Since I can remember (basically since Tampa had elite forwards, so 03?) Tampa has always gone a "pairs" route. MSL + Vinny/Richards/Stamkos, Kucherov+Stamkos/Point. This always allowed us to have a second line that could pot some points too.
The superline era... I'm not sure. Maybe it's effective in the regular season, but in Boston v. Tampa last season, when the Bergeron line got shut down, they generated zero offense from the rest of their lineup.
Edit: I also question the wisdom of loading up top lines with your 3 best forwards. Two I get. But with three... I mean you're just draining the ability to have a second line chip in as well.
Since I can remember (basically since Tampa had elite forwards, so 03?) Tampa has always gone a "pairs" route. MSL + Vinny/Richards/Stamkos, Kucherov+Stamkos/Point. This always allowed us to have a second line that could pot some points too.
The superline era... I'm not sure. Maybe it's effective in the regular season, but in Boston v. Tampa last season, when the Bergeron line got shut down, they generated zero offense from the rest of their lineup.
Depth, of course. But, IRL defense is part of it. I think Boston can overcome with their very very good defense.
Why don't they sign for less with the Panthers, Knights or Stars that also have no income tax?
The tax stuff is so overrated.
Critical13
Fear is the mind-killer.
Ya based off % of team goals and it’s using an old calculation from earlier this year.
My dogs name is Lebowski btw... no one gets it
KoozNetsOff 92
Hala Madrid
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One line teams aren't a threat at all, especially considering teams like caps, pens, leafs, Tampa have pretty damn good top lines too. It's why I don't understand why some people consider Boston a cup contender. Did you guys watch them vs tampa last playoffs when the big line went off the ice?
CP4
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Teams with depth for sure. If you can have 4 lines plus your defence scoring, and then have good enough call-ups to replace injured players, that fits a playoff style format much better than one or two really good scoring lines.
koyvoo
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Emerz
#1 PLD Fanboy
It's not like the depth didn't score all season long and during the first round vs Toronto, they just had a very unlucky stretch where no one scored in the 2nd round. It doesn't happen often but there is an element of luck to hockey. The DeBrusk - Krejci - Heinen line was a very great 2nd line last year that went ice cold vs Tampa.
Very strange poll.
The first group has both depth and an elite top line. The answer seems pretty obvious.
The first group has both depth and an elite top line. The answer seems pretty obvious.
koyvoo
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Mickey Marner
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Exactly. I'd argue the depth group have better/more elite players even. They just don't stack one line.
I understand what you based it on, but as others have said, the fact that the depth teams have elite players makes it an easy poll. Getting beyond just the teams mentioned, you need both to win the cup. If it's an either or, and you're talking about depth like Minnesota, or top talent like Dallas, in general I would say the depth teams will probably win more consistently, but the one with elite players might give you more chance of going all the way if they happen to get hot
Foppberg
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You need both. And it's not as if TB/Toronto/Washington lack top end talent, so the poll options are kind of inaccurate.
Hugh Mungus
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PatriceBergeronFan
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Bergeron was injured then too. Top line could have done more. Nash was suffering from that concussion.
An elite top line with a suitable 2nd line is fine... much like last year, Boston needs to find one more winger to play with Krejci and Debrusk who have been very good.
A team with no talent behind the top line wouldn't have a chance, I agree.
cgf
FireBednarsSuccessor
OP is clearly salty about something and trying to prove a point, so I voted 1-line teams to annoy him or her.
AveryStar4Eva
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