I thought the flames were the best team in game 1, and by far the second best team in game 2.
The avs were skating and winning puck battles and their first line completely dictated play. It looks like our first line in particular wants to plant flowers, not pull weeds and that’s not how to have success in the playoffs.
If our big guys can get engaged and show some urgency, with and especially without the puck then we will be in good shape. It was my main worry coming into the playoffs aside from goaltending (thanks Smith, you’ve been awesome!) as they have been fairly pedestrian since the all star break. We have superior depth, but as cliched as it is, a team only goes as far as their top players take them.
I still think we take this. These playoffs might turn out to be one of the better chances for our team to do something big. Tampa might shockingly go out early, the west is wide open, and it appears Smith is ready to rock. I really hope they don’t squander the opportunity.
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