CaptainTrev wrote:Hockey Widow wrote:As I said in an earlier post I would be all over him if he were that elusive last piece. I just don't see him that way. I see him as a missing piece but not that one piece that puts us over the top. I'd want MG to do more than just add Doan.
But even at 35 going on 36 I'd love to have him as a Canuck if the term and cap were right. I have no idea what "right" is in this case.
Agreed, just curious what you think the "last piece" is.
I think Doan *could* put us over the top. But Kesler would have to rediscover his 'A' game, and/or we'd need to acquire a legit 2nd/3rd line centre to absorb a couple of minutes from him.
I'm in the optimistic camp in that Doan can be the one difference maker to bring the cup home with the current line-up (plus some 3rd and 4th line parts in the upcoming Luongo deal).
Though I agree with HW it's the ideal to get the 2 or 3 pieces needed (Stud D, Power F, etc.), such a "bulletproof" line-up guarantees only part of what it takes to win the Cup. The last few cup winners all had the following:
1. Your core group playing their A game in the Playoffs (lots of great examples)
2. Hot goaltending (Niemi being exhibit A of this since it wasn't expected)
3. Role and/or young players have career and/or breakout performances. (The Penner effect).
4. Staying healthy (1 or 2 LA King scratches, 1 or 2 Bruins, can't recall the Hawks, but you get the drift).
You can only really control / affect the first 2 and a bit of #3 (via coaching / organizational / player commitment).
#4 is the crapshoot.
Add Doan and you get size, durability, reliability and leadership that is available only very rarely. Again while no one can predict injuries, there's a certain magic I think he could bring on and off the ice. If the other elements fall into place (which they need to anyway), I think Doan is the piece that can push the Canucks over the top.

