Hopefully they've already processed the hiccup of losing their best player.. Undoubtedly demoralizing during this Cinderella run season we've been having, but hardly a nail in our coffin. Was already pointed out above that this a group that finds a way to all shift into that extra gear and support one another when leaned on. I've said teamwork makes the dream work sarcastically about 5,000 times in my life, but it really describes this group and highlights the importance of commitment, competent management and selflessness.
I looked at this season and thought we weren't skilled enough, that the vet presence we did have was insufficient in quantity, skill and leadership. I saw a bunch of raw talent and had waking nightmares of past hungry top prospects tabbed by fans as franchise players who'd compete annually for the most prestigious hardware in the league .. Only to be contract throw ins on panic-button trades, see their development fizzle and ceiling lower to bottom line plug or ahl journeymen, or walk for nothing when it was clear there was no fit.
The individual progression of guys like Brodie, Gaudreau, Backlund and Jooris can't be understated; years of grinding have all come to fruition at the same time and we are finally being rewarded. Add the unbelievable maturity and resolve of Monahan, and I think we'll be just fine. Playoffs? Maybe not, but imo that was far from a sure thing 3 weeks ago either. Successful teams find ways to adapt and not fall victim to the mental/human element situations like this pose.
GFG!
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Long time listener, first time caller.
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