The Kings Cup was the result of years of futility being rewarded by very early draft picks. There were some trades that worked out very well for them, but ultimately you have a core of guys who were all drafted before any player on the Wings entire roster. That's not to take away from the job Lombardi's done, but he's far from the level of a Hall of Fame GM like Holland who has attained more success with less to work with.
The Kings are not any more of a lock for a playoff spot past this year than Detroit or anyone else. They have over 47 million locked into next season already and have half a roster to fill, including some key roster spots.
As far as your definition of Insanity goes, if Holland's system has provided a playoff team in every season he's been in charge...wouldn't you expecting otherwise be considered insane?
The Kings were a totally different team after they traded for Carter. I am expecting them to make the playoffs before the final week of the season this time. I dont disagree, Lombardai built that team via futility, but i do disagree with the notion that the Kings making the playoff and winning the cup was completely unexpected and a result of parity,(1-8 seed being so close in terms of talent)
I dont expect making the playoffs, I expect real shot at contending for a cup. The Detroit Red Wings are not the Los Angeles Kings. There wont be a miracle unless Brunner is a superstar, Howard turns into Patrick Roy and Z has a second Renascence because he is named the captain.
Wings are not realistically contending for a cup with their current roster. It might be good enough to make the playoffs, but even if they got in, i would not expect them to advance past the first round. Holland thinks otherwise, or he is just lying to himself or the media. Any Given Sunday is a lie in the NHL. This is not the NFL, and Ken Holland is trying to get people to forget about his failures the past four years when he keeps bringing up parity.
What i meant by insanity, was expecting this team to win a cup by doing minor changes. He has been doing it since 2009, and the results have been the same every time. Still hasnt added a real top six winger. Fingers crossed Brunner does well, but no way am i giving the benefit of the doubt to a guy who has never played in the NHL. It's been four years and the Wings lost Hossa, Stuart, Lidstrom, Rafi and replaced them with far less talented players, meanwhile the stars of the team have gotten older and become less productive.
Defense is worse than last year. Defense by committee is just another Ken Holland PR phrase to make the defense sound better than it is.
I am not worried about the Kings cap situation nor do i care. If the original goal of having a 60 million cap had come to pass, than i would have agreed that they are in trouble.
Wings are in major trouble cap wise since all of those stud prospects are going to need massive raises when they turn into superstars.
Parity to Ken Holland is doing nothing while you watch your team get worse and feel like that's OK.
Says we dont have cap space and thats why the Wings havent improved.
Get cap space and dont use it because players cost too much money.
What exactly is Holland waiting for? If he wont pay for star players, why not play the prospects and see if you have anybody who could be a star? Nope, lets sign Sammy and stick Nyquist in the AHL for another decade.
