One of the frustrating byproducts of the popularization if advanced stats is that they are so often used as a qualification for winning or losing. As in the current case of Vegas; advanced stats are good therefore they are the better team... But advanced stats don't show which team is better. That is reserved for winners, especially in a 7 game series. If you lose a best of 7 you are the worse team, end of story.
IMO Vegas has been a bit of a smoke and mirrors team this season. They were average at best for the first half of the season (goaltending issues were a big factor for sure), then when they turned it around before the pause everyone piled back on the bandwagon, but are they really a great team? They nearly lost to Vancouver who is on the rise and was playing well, but still not an elite team by any means. Now they can't score against Dallas which is a team with warts, but for my money has a better roster player for player than Vegas.
Fans want to jump onto any bandwagon that looks sexy and Vegas is that, mostly due to novelty and the fact that when they are playing well their style is exciting, speed up the middle and all that. That said, Dallas is winning and they look good doing it. Vegas didn't have a shot in the last few minutes of the game last night. Dallas smothered them and looked very in control. Dallas put on a clinic killing the 5 on 3.
Dallas is playing better hockey and Vegas has no game breakers.
By the way, anyone seen Mark Stone lately? I thought he was one of the best skaters in the NHL when Calgary didn't land him and sign him for 10m season. I wonder if he is getting roasted on Vegas fan forums right now.
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