Playoffs are always different. Like, unpredictable different. Just like going from pre-season to regular season.
A lot of typically non factor players channel a side of themselves and their game we don't see for most of the regular season. Point is, we have no idea what we'll see. Who will wear a cape and who'll fade. That includes in net. It's just a handful of games and all it takes is being hot at the right time.
A defense led by Kris Russell's heroics went two rounds in 2015, for example. Players like Silvferberg go from a 0.5 to PPG, and guys like Bennett suddenly play possessed. You have one hit wonders like Tim Thomas that go all the way. Then there are players like McDavid fade into the pack, or Vezina winner like Bob that turns into 2018 Mike Smith.
We want to make declarations about whether we have the right pieces but a lot is going to be determined through waiting and seeing, when it comes down to it. We've never seen this iteration and this goalie tandem in playoff circumstances.
Hell..... could Smith channel his 2012 self? Not impossible. We've seen him on a rampage of high confidence before.
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