Chicago only looked competitive against us because we couldn't kill penalties/6 on 5. That's been a lingering problem that's carried over from last year. It's almost like if we take more than two penalties, we're definitely getting scored on by the other team's power play at least once.
I have to say that I don't think this is a good team without while missing Hughes, our NHL caliber goalies, McLeod any higher than the 4th line, guys like Geertsen playing at all, etc.
But I think we're at least an average team with Hughes. And perhaps better than that if Nico can at least get back to his 50+ point pace, Bratt too and definitely if Blackwood plays to his averages prior to last season and Bernier at least being average.
I don't even think our defense is that bad, but the bottom pairing is a real anchor. I think it's more due to Subban than Siegenthaler, but I'm not a fan of Seigs either.