When you're tops in even strength goals against, I don't think your game is at a level where you're going to lead your team to PO success. With the exception of Schiefele who was out, how did those players fare in their respective play-in rounds?
They produced with the man advantage but bled goals at even strength. Both teams were eliminated in spite of their production, because they're as poor defensively as they are good offensively and were leaned on with TOI.
That is why teams like the Bruins led by players like Bergeron who don't produce the most but play complete games routinely beat the Torontos of the world when it comes playoff time. Problem with these superstars is they approach playoff situations largely the same way in terms of 200ft play. They may ramp up their effort level at what they do well but still don't commit to both ends of the ice.
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