Interesting, well-thought-out article. Instead of asking whether the Wild could use a chemistry lesson, you probably could have phrased this as to whether 20+ teams in the NHL could use the same lesson. The only counter argument I could make is that the Knights have put their ego aside because they haven’t collectively accomplished anything yet. The Knights are a great story and I am pulling for them to win in 5. But if they can win this year and possibly even pull the feat off again next year, it would be interesting to see then if they don’t get to where the Pens are today.
I think the "chemistry" largely emanates from a collection of pretty talented players all being told they weren't needed by their previous clubs. This concept is mostly false of course (clubs didn't want to lose most of these players), but professional athletes love to use this kind of thing as a motivational tool.
I don't think enough can be said about McPhee and Galant's job performances. They built a disciplined club that can really skate. You'll win a lot of games in the NHL by constantly beating your opponent to the puck.
Nice blog Dan. Lots of soul searching type material in this for teams like the Wild. I dont' honestly know how much of it is true or not, but it all sounds logical as hell.
I mean look back at the 2003 Wild, they were a similarly structured team although fell short in the conference finals. Granted that roster had a bit more time to come together but is still proof that a relative bunch of average nobodies can become above average somebodies and make an impact.
Location: PROFESSIONAL CHOKE ARTISTS, MN Joined: 10.19.2008
Jun 5 @ 10:52 AM ET
A lesson from Vegas? You mean start next season with a brand new roster that has never played together before? I AGREE!!! Fire em all, and start over for the love of god!!!!!
