Isn’t it pretty simple at this point?
Elite #1 Centers - Look at every Cup winning team since the lockout and tell me what they all have in common? Elite centers, or at the very least an elite 1-2 punch. If my #1 center is better than your #1 center, my odds of beating you to 4 wins seems a lot better.
Elite #1 Defenseman - Much like the point I made just above. But watching Heiskanen, Makar, Hughes, Hedman, Theodore and etc making huge impacts for their respective teams this post season gives me an new appreciation for how elite rover defensemen can affect a game and a series.
Obviously more comes into play in regards to depth and talent and will and etc. But starting off with one or if your franchise is lucky enough, two of these foundational blocks has to be a nice feeling. It’s just a great equalizer when you have elite, game breaking ability from 2 premier positions.
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