Were they really asleep or did the Blues just do a shoot job defending them? I think when you get two teams as good as the Blues and Avs, both teams are going to find a way to neutralize some of the best players on the other team and that is when the others step up. The Blues did a good job on MacKinnon for the bulk of the series, but obviously he had an incredible Game 5. On the flip side, the Avs did a good job against the Robert Thomas line for most of the series as well. That is why teams that win the Cup always get key contributions from the 3rd and 4th line guys, because teams in this league are too good and will find ways to neutralize the best lines at times. I won't be surprised if the Avs find a way to keep McDavid and his line in check for a good part of the series. It happens.
Blues did a great job. But they have been asleep all playoffs....it's not just this series. Rantanen has had a few assists here and there, but except for the cheap, last second empty netter....he has not scored by beating the net minder. You're talking about a guy who had 36 goals in the regular season. So 10 games in the playoffs 2022, and ZERO goals. The prior 43 games in the playoffs in his career....19. So it's not like the spotlight is too big for him. Haven't heard anything about him being dinged up.
And then Makar....he's had 3 goals, but clearly not playing like he's capable overall. I have seen him literally take over games. Now I have heard he might be injured....and we know you don't always hear to what extent for the obvious reasons.
Beyond that, I think it's easy to say teams are playing them tougher. They have had much greater success in other playoffs....you don't think those teams were playing them tough? And I think if you ask them, they would tell you they are underperforming.
So, I see this is a potential positive....in the sense that they have been so relatively quiet. Rantanen in particular. Makar's game is finesse and speed and maneuvering around the ice. Sometimes a series is super physical, and it can throw a guy like that off his game a bit. So I'll give you that....credit to the other teams. But Rantanen is a beast (they don't call him the moose for nothing). He's a big dude.....6' 4" and 215. He should be asserting himself out there. This series could be the one where he breaks out. If he does step up, and MacKinnon, Landeskog, Kadri, and Makar are scoring too.....then watch out Oilers.
Topic: NHL (2021-2022) v. Congrats Avs. Jack Johnson is a Stanley Cup Champion. (Read 82768 times)