The Nucks were a great team the year they went to the finals, no question about it.
For me though, an elite team is a team that can show greatness consistently, that can keep themselves at the top and relevant over a number of years and through personnel changes. An elite team is one where, when new guys come in, they become better players and the team keeps rolling along.
The Red Wings are the classic example. With their 2nd cup in 5 years, the Hawks have entered that realm. Pittsburg and Boston are in the discussion for cup favourites every year.
The Nucks had it all come together for one great year. They have been among the best teams in the regular season for a few years.
But very little in the way of playoff success. And an inability to MAINTAIN their status, to me, says they are not really an elite team.
I also believe that the Nucks did a good job of recognizing how the game would change after the 05 lockout. They adjusted quicker than most teams and exploited their advantage with a good PP. However, the rest of the league caught up. That advantage is gone. And as a result, the Nucks have quickly slipped back into the pack.
Nothing about that says elite team the way I define elite.
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