[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Savvy27

The direction of the team is pretty obvious. They aren't going to do a full rebuild, they have changed the style of play and a few players have shown that they are able to adapt to it (Gaudreau, Giordano, Nordstrom, Lindholm, Hanifin, and Markstrom have all improved in recent games... Tkachuck a bit better too.). The style is working pretty well against good competition and is going to get better with more implementation, practice, off-season moves, and a training camp. Ruszicka and Phillips aren't forcing themselves into the line up at this point, either. If they were tearing up the AHL then the team would probably be willing to give them a shot.

One thing that I've been a bit disappointed by is that I find Mangiapane to be a little less effective. Him and Dube are pretty small for a cycle game and I don't think it is a lack of effort as much as a poor fit. Which is the difference with a guy like Gaudreau who is so talented that he can still create chances despite an imperfect fit to the style.

If they do fall short, it will be disappointing but I'd still be excited for next season based on what they are doing now. Besides, this is hardly a draft worth tanking for.

I think the team should still tank, you never know we might still get a quality player. Maybe we make the playoffs next season so anything quality we get this draft is still important going forward.