Now that I've had 24 hours to digest. Still a sunken feeling. Once I saw Point in, Pelech out, I just knew they couldn't win (maybe they force game 7 if it were the other way around). They've defied expectations, however, I never once truly believed they could win 3 straight. I've enjoyed the ride, from the outset of informal camp on LI to falling within 2 games of the Cup. Very proud and the best Islander experience since I was 10.
This is most certainly is a huge step in the right direction, after getting swept in the 2nd round. I hope Lou can get creative, b/c if you bring back the same roster, you likely get a similar result. It's been beaten to death, but playing superior teams highlights the lack of scoring talent and PP ineffectiveness. Hiller really didn't improve the PP much; they still have issues entering the zone, setting up, and working the puck around like a good PP. Their decision making is poor, and they do not shoot. There are a lot of good options for trade and free agency, I do imagine Lou has been working behind the scenes.
Varly showed me something, and I feel much better about the signing. He'll be a good model for Ilya.
The D wasn't nearly as stingy as it needed to be to win. Too many turnovers, breakdowns (e.g. letting Hedman waltz in untouched for the 1st goal).
There may be room for internal improvement. Beau could become a 30 goal scorer, Barzal 80 pt center, but he needs help. Put a smart shooter on his wing and he'll amass 60 assists. Barz still has to shoot more and needs to add velocity to his shot. I think Toews has another level to his game, same for Pulock. Mayfield is what he is, a solid 3rd pairing D man. Dobson may find himself in the AHL next year, or playing 2nd pairing mins in the NHL, we'll see. He's still a few years away from being that all-around number 1.