I am more pessimistic about this season than I was last season; and that was with the injuries to Kesler, Vatanen and Lindholm. Is the roster today, better than it was this time last year?
Trade possibilities are limited with high cap hits on players that will be difficult to move, so our success is depending on everybody on the roster today. The Calvary isn't coming.
The way I look at it, is our chance to make the playoffs and do some damage. I think Calgary has improved to the point where they make the playoffs this year. San Jose, status quo - barring an injury to Pavelski or Couture, they're in. Vegas, I suspect they'll regress but remain in the playoffs. The leaves LA, Edmonton, Vancouver, Phoenix and us battling for the last playoff spot. IMHO, our roster didn't improve enough to supplant LA or EDM. With Kesler potentially missing the season, and Perry's downward trajectory it'll be up to Getz, Rakell, Henrique and maybe Silf. I think they'll give it everything they have, but ultimately come up short. The Power Play MUST improve.
Our defensive core is sound, but I still think there will be some growing pains. Perhaps the new assistant coach from SD can work some magic? With potentially fewer goals being scored, the margin of error for the Defense becomes even more slim.
The All-American tandem needs a repeat of last season, minus injuries from Gibby.
The one aspect that will keep my attention is the potential addition of youth (Steel/Jones/Terry). It has been too long since a homegrown A-list offensive prospect has hit their ceiling (a la Rakell, Beleskey, Ryan).
I think this season will be a rough ome, which why my expectations are to miss the playoffs. It may require one step back, to take three steps forward. I don't think RC is the primary problem, but he isn't the long term solution. Can GMBM recognize that a second time?
/ramble