Mëds wrote:That's ok, did any of us expect to lose 7-2 to the Oilers? We played them 4 times last year and had a 1-2-1 record against them.
Did you see the lineup we iced in that game? Honestly the game was meaningless to the Canucks (and you can see it in their lineup decisions.. 30s of ice time for Henrik, 20 minutes for Derek Joslin).
Again, granted, injuries, etc.
Well this part that you grant and then resume ignoring is huge for this team.
Did the Canucks takes steps this offseason to ensure that another run of injuries to their top six forwards or their top four defense won't be a crisis? Absolutely not but expecting that is completely unreasonable in a cap system - especially in a year where the ceiling falls and the best teams have to cut depth (something most top teams have done this offseason).
The best teams are able to cope with injuries due to having excellent young players able to take on more responsibility, and that's something the team has addressed this year (although we are still in the gap where we can't sign good enough free agents to fill all the holes and the younger players aren't there yet).
If we have another year of "injuries, etc" then this team won't perform anywhere near to where it should.. but if they stay healthy they are a lock to be near the top of the conference as usual.
We went 0-6-1 against San Jose last year (including the playoffs).
1-2 against the Ducks.
I suppose Nashville is a bit of a stretch, and we didn't lose to them last season, but a. 1-0 win.....they were always in that one. 7-4? We gave up 4 goals to a team of defensemen and 2nd and 3rd liners. But that's neither here nor there. My point is that, outside of the Flames, it's not a good idea to write off any of the teams in our division, because, between inconsistent officiating, puck luck, hockey gods, brain cramps, etc..... shit happens in the NHL. Like I said, I won't be surprised if we finish outside the playoffs next year, but I do expect the team to be good enough to be a wild card at least, and saying we're s lock for a top 3.....I just don't see it. I'm just not getting my hopes up until I see what the team looks like out there with a new voice and system coming from behind the bench.
You're right. And if you draw conclusions of "shit happens" happening over 48 games you might end up being mislead.. a full season is much more opportunity for those ups and downs to even out.