This is the downside of playing really well for a good stretch, playing above our heads I'd say, the expectations get unrealistically raised. Yes it was nice to see the team play well and get into the mix, but playing at that level was not sustainable, double so when you add the Kreider injury into the mix.
This team is a year away from really being a legit strong playoff type team. I'd say the following year is when we can be a legit deep run/SC threat. That really is our timetable, and we should not lose sight of that.
To me this is all positive stuff from the goalie, to two more 1st round picks, to kids ready to come up and make an impact (especially on D). Really exciting I think.
We saw it against the Bruins, we saw it in the two games against the Flyers, we struggle against the bigger physical teams. We have issues getting out of our own zone and with turnovers against teams like that. It is something we'll need to improve on moving forward to take the next step. Hopefully as some of the young dmen get comfortable, and others come up, we'll get better against bigger teams. I'd also say adding a legit # 2 C should be our biggest focus. We need a guy behind Ziban to truly complete the top 6.
If we can clear those two hurdles the sky is the limit for this team real soon I feel. I see good times ahead for us next year and beyond.