The team has actually exceeded my expectations, but I mostly attribute that to Mike Smith, who has been really good for most of the season. He had a couple of poor games, but for the most part, he is the biggest reason this team isn't a bottom feeder.
I guess it's up to interpretation and debate whether the talent is lacking, or whether coaching is the main issue. I find goal differential to be a surprisingly simple yet accurate indicator of a team's actual ability. The fact we have the 2nd worst differential out of all teams currently in a playoff spot and 3 non-playoff teams have better, is very telling. If this team, as it is, makes the playoffs, I am afraid they are going to get smoked again.
You need to be able to roll 4 lines, especially in the playoffs. The top line is currently getting it done, but when things get serious in the playoffs, they will be under more abuse than ever.
So either we lack the depth and talent in the line-up, or the current coaching can't get anything out players who aren't able to persevere because of raw talent. Or some combination of both. I lean towards coaching, but I don't claim to know for sure.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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