Oneiro
Registered User
- Mar 28, 2013
- 9,565
- 11,266
Simplified formula: you need either two top 10 forwards in the game or a top 10 forward and a top 10 defenseman.
WAS: Ovechkin-Backstrom
PIT: Crosby-Malkin
CHI: Kane-Keith (and Toews at the time)
LA: Kopitar-Doughty
BOS: Bergeron-Chara
Nashville and SJ no longer have forwards of that magnitude, WPG doesn't have any defender of that magnitude. The Rangers kept coming up against this barrier, despite having good depth and goaltending. Similarly, Minnesota has gone nowhere because their top end players are not in the same building as their opponents.
So, with this system, you'd think Tampa looks pretty good and it's only a matter of time. This idea sets up a lot of young teams well. Colorado, Philadelphia, NJ, possibly Buffalo and Florida if they get their act together.
What I think the last decade all comes down to is the idea that the NHL is actually a far more star-driven league than fans want to admit. By the time the depth works itself out and you're in the Cup Final, it's up to one or two of the star players to take care of business.
WAS: Ovechkin-Backstrom
PIT: Crosby-Malkin
CHI: Kane-Keith (and Toews at the time)
LA: Kopitar-Doughty
BOS: Bergeron-Chara
Nashville and SJ no longer have forwards of that magnitude, WPG doesn't have any defender of that magnitude. The Rangers kept coming up against this barrier, despite having good depth and goaltending. Similarly, Minnesota has gone nowhere because their top end players are not in the same building as their opponents.
So, with this system, you'd think Tampa looks pretty good and it's only a matter of time. This idea sets up a lot of young teams well. Colorado, Philadelphia, NJ, possibly Buffalo and Florida if they get their act together.
What I think the last decade all comes down to is the idea that the NHL is actually a far more star-driven league than fans want to admit. By the time the depth works itself out and you're in the Cup Final, it's up to one or two of the star players to take care of business.