In a historically improbably fashion the Dallas Stars fought their way back from a 2-0 and 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Washington Capitals in game 7 of the CPHL Championship. The victory earns the Stars their 2nd CPHL championship in 3 years – something I never thought I’d do. Some thoughts from GM Pittman on the championship season:
- Last season, as defending cup champions we thought we had a real shot to repeat…but it’s a good league and ultimately, we didn’t make it past the 2nd round. During the off-season we decided to significantly alter our approach to our roster’s construction, focusing in on a very strong defensive team that can keep shots down, pucks out, and win tight games. This was no better represented then a trade that saw Draisaitl head out for Barkov.
- Our current roster only has 6 players from the 1st Championship (Guentzel, Lindblom, Konecny, Morrissey, Spurgeon, Ristolainen)
- I believed I could win again. I believe in going all in to either win or suck...no middle ground (by product of watching the real-life Flames my entire life…the middle sucks). Our roster is young enough that a retool was not on the table.
- Throughout the season Dallas made very few moves. We were winning and I resisted the urge to tinker.
- At the deadline we decided to keep pending UFA Palat and go all-in with the addition of UFAs Nick Backstrom and Erik Johnson to round out our depth with guys who can play up the lineup if needed
- Ironically, Palat and Backstrom became big factors in the finals…maybe putting us over the top with 4 points in game 7.
- I was nervous about my goaltending…I think you need two legit goalies to go on a long playoff run. I got lucky and Elliot only had to play 2 games.
- My cupboards are empty now in draft and prospect capital…it all seems worth it if you win though.
- I am losing some strong franchise asset value in UFAs that will just walk…again, the price to take a shot.
Thank you to Grant and all the commissioners who put in loads of time to keep this game going, organized, civil, and stocked with GMs who want to play! Likewise, the CPHL has always had (in my time at least) a great group of GMs who make playing the game fun and have kept me coming back for 9 going on 10 years (I think).
The plan for next season has to be to contend again. I am not sure I have the same asset base any more to do that and I cannot trade on the future rounds anymore…so it won’t be easy…but it will certainly be fun trying.
Thanks for a great season – on to the best part of the CPHL, the off-season