re: Stanley Cup Champions the WASHINGTON CAPITALS Ovechkin wins Smythe

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No I said this last summer

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You really looked at that roster and thought that was a playoff team? If so, you should look into getting into the business. You would have been one of the only ones anywhere to get it right. Below is a link to a playoff prediction from 17 writers at NHL.com and not a single one had Vegas as even a wild card team:
LINK

Of course not 50 goal or division winner, but I said it was a rig to make sure they were a playoff contender. They weren’t going to let Vegas be mired in like what Atlanta and Minnesota was year 1.

So revisionist history no. I also said pro sports in Vegas won’t work long term because of options and possible fixes.

I like Trotz, but he is what he is: a guy who consistently has good not great teams. He is a conservative coach who favors veterans over youth, usually to a fault. He usually has team which are good at possession, but he still likes grit and heavy hockey. You'll probably never suck with Trotz as your coach, but there's a reason this is his first trip the conference finals.

Cooper is much more the new breed. He's comfortable with analytics and he has been quick to go with younger, faster players and eschewing the tough guy hockey myths. He came up through the minors, so he is a teacher and has faith in the young guys, too much so sometimes... he has veered from Stanley Cup finalist to missing the playoffs. But he might be in the new school, but he still puts JT Miller on the top line. He still was thrilled his GM raided the Rangers for spare parts for veteran guys.

As much as we try and put the new school in opposition to the new school, their values aren't THAT incompatible. I think Cooper is a better tactician, but I've got more faith in Trotz getting his team to fully buy in. But if this series comes down to tactical adjustments, which it might, that favors Tampa. But I think its more likely the Caps get some bizarre contribution from a player you don't expect.

What I'm saying is... Jay Beagle, Series MVP.

GAMETIME

Lets gooooo

Caps fans with our traditional red and Oooooooooooooo during the national anthem

we in in there baby

fleury imo

Caps on the board.

Lets goooo

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