Habs always seem to over achieve when they get counted out.
If a few forwards who've shown flashes can all get going in the playoffs (Domi, Drouin, Kotka, Suzuki) then it helps our case.
Murray's played like trash before and Jarry's pretty inexperienced. If the Pens goaltending implodes it helps our case as well.
And obviously Carey will play a big role. I don't think he's been at his best the last two years, but we at least know he has the talent to potentially steal a game or two out of three.
Forgetting entirely about draft picks for just a second, I'm excited for some of these guys to potentially seize the moment and run with it.
I'm so geared towards getting Laf it's not even funny YET I agree with everything about this post.
Hockey playoffs always have upsets. Despite being so hopelessly mediocre these last almost 30 years we've had a few decent runs, comebacks and upsets. It seems like we're always capable of a surprise or two. This is not in the bag for us (for those who want a loss).
If there was a playoff where ANYTHING can happen, it's this one. A well wrested Suzuki, a more physically mature KK could very well be fun to watch. If D&D are on their game, we're nowhere near lacking as much skill as many think we are. Those 2 are pretty close to being top talents (I'm talking about pure talent wise. Domi a bit less so but he's close imo). It's all about consistency and which version of either of these guys we'll get. Plus you have Tatar, Gally, Armia, Danault. Byron could shake it off and I think people forget how rock solid our forward depth is.
The D is where it gets shakey but again this rest is PERFECT for Weber (not so good for our Laf hopes). A couple kids could still surprise like Fleury and Juulsen and actually plug a hole or two.
I love that the Pens seem to be especially stacked now from what I hear. Ultimately it would be nice to just lose but look good doing it. have some kids play well and surprise. But I'm 100% trying to emotionally prepare for a win because I know I'm going to be really mad.
Getting Laf would change EVERYTHING. We could easily have a very dynamic team in a year or two without being overtly optimistic. Our prospect pool/young player group is only lacking a sure fire superstar. Laf to me is that. Obviously we'd love a sure fire #1D but our D prospects are many and of a decent enough calibre where we could be in really good shape back there.