OK, so.......... SO much going on; SCPO with EPIC games, AHL games running gamut from yawn fests to titanic matches..... LOVE this time of year.
Listen, I've watched every SCPO game as well as some of the IIHF series. I go back to re-think some of the things I've said about this team, I maintain we are a GOOD team.....BUT. There is NO way, with the current team construct we could run with the Rangers, the 'Canes (eliminated last night, epic collapse in the 3d...). Folks like Feds, H2, H-Buzzed, et. al. have said this team needs an infusion of phenoms. As I watch the SCPO games, I see what they're saying. We have some decent talent, but there's no way we could run with the teams currently in the SCPO. IF we had made it, we would've given NYR a bit more of a run than WAS, but not much. Probably out in 5. But we need some serious talent.
Danielson's a wild card; his camp showing will determine where he plays next season. I honestly think he's going to need time to get used to the pace and physicality in the "A" before he plants his flag on the big club. Kasper's game is SOOOOO much better than last year, and I think he may be ready to make the jump. To me, both are on the big club at the end of next season.
The true wild cards for the big club are; Mazur, Johansson, and Berggren. I truly think Berggren's ready, but his defense leaves much to be desired, as pointed out by several folks here. To Feds' point; is it better to get tons of ice time in the "A" vs sitting on the 4th line watching the world go by? To me, that's the age-old discussion. We lose Johansson & Berggren if we waive them no doubt. Johansson's game still needs work, but he could be a pretty good D-dude.
The roster for the big club is going to see some pretty bug turn-over this off-season. Because of loss of waivers, we're going to be forced to retain some kids but I think they'll do well enough. I think, without having completed the off-season moves, we're in the same boat next year as we were this year: Knockin' on the door, but just missing it. NOW, let's see what moves are made and I'll re-visit this thumbsup:
