Conference Finals Preview: A Tale of Perseverance
Jun 28, 2018 10:57:01 GMT -5
Hawks, AvsGM, and 5 more like this
Post by LeafsGM on Jun 28, 2018 10:57:01 GMT -5
As we approach game 1 of the JGHL semi finals, it's important to remember how far each team has come to get to this point. Let's do a deeper dive into how different each team's paths have been in their chase for the most glorious trophy in fantasy hockey. Plus, some other predictions:
Boston
You might be asking, how hard could the defending champs' road have been to get back here this year. Well, to fully understand the struggle we need to go way back into Jim's storied tenure. The Bruins are no stranger to being in the playoff picture, but prior to last year, being there meant possibly another early exit. After finally overcoming the playoff demons, the Bruins got right back to business this past off season securing their place at the top echelon of contenders. They say perseverance is measured not by how often you fall, but how often you pick yourself back up. Jim knows this all too well, and he is now looking to stay on top for years to come.
X Factor: Ryan Kesler
Player to watch: Shea Weber, who has so far under performed
Keys to victory: shut down Cam Atkinson, maximize shots on Crawford, PK
New Jersey
If there's anyone that knows about perseverance, it's Ron. No stranger to going deep into the playoffs, the Devils have always had formidable rosters, just never been able to get over the hump. After a heart breaking finals loss to the Canucks in 14-15, the Devils had to retool and re-brand. The moves made throughout this season spoke volumes about where they stood - it's the cup or nothing. Could this finally be the year when the Devils overcome their playoff disappointments and lift the eluded tropy? If the NHL Caps have showed us anything, it's that sometimes the longer it takes, the sweeter it tastes.
X Factor: Eric Staal
Player to watch: Nikolaj Ehlers
Keys to victory: stingy defense, improve abysmal PP, maintain the low penalty minutes
Calgary
What would a team that's missed the playoffs only once in franchise history know about perseverance you say? Well, once upon a time the Flames were the team you loved to hate. A 3-peat champion from 06-08, everyone thought that a Calgary cup parade was an annual holiday. It didn't quite work out that way. Sure the playoff appearances were always there, but early round exits and several conference finals losses were a needed wake up for Chris. He recognized that the competition isn't as futile as it may have once been. Parity is alive and well in this league, and you can't sleep on anyone. Calgary got to work this year and built what could be their best roster yet. Could it be enough to get back on top remains to be seen, but it's certainly one that instills fear.
X Factor: Mark Scheifele
Player to watch: Rickard Rakell
Keys to victory: maintain dominance at C position, depth scoring, wake up Landeskog from his slumber
Colorado
Sometimes the path to perseverance is to win first, and then learn how to lose so you can get back to winning. That's precisely what Jon and the Avs did. Winning two our the first three seasons must have been sweet, but not making the playoffs 7 straight seasons must have been bitter. The bright side of that is the Avs were able to stock pile enough assets to build what could be a perennial contender. If this ends up being their year, they will certainly look back at the road it took to get back to the top and see just how much patience and perseverance it took.
X Factor: Seth Jones
Player to watch: Phil Kessel
Keys to victory: maintain an incredible scoring pace and PP, reduce shots on net, balanced attack
Boston
You might be asking, how hard could the defending champs' road have been to get back here this year. Well, to fully understand the struggle we need to go way back into Jim's storied tenure. The Bruins are no stranger to being in the playoff picture, but prior to last year, being there meant possibly another early exit. After finally overcoming the playoff demons, the Bruins got right back to business this past off season securing their place at the top echelon of contenders. They say perseverance is measured not by how often you fall, but how often you pick yourself back up. Jim knows this all too well, and he is now looking to stay on top for years to come.
X Factor: Ryan Kesler
Player to watch: Shea Weber, who has so far under performed
Keys to victory: shut down Cam Atkinson, maximize shots on Crawford, PK
New Jersey
If there's anyone that knows about perseverance, it's Ron. No stranger to going deep into the playoffs, the Devils have always had formidable rosters, just never been able to get over the hump. After a heart breaking finals loss to the Canucks in 14-15, the Devils had to retool and re-brand. The moves made throughout this season spoke volumes about where they stood - it's the cup or nothing. Could this finally be the year when the Devils overcome their playoff disappointments and lift the eluded tropy? If the NHL Caps have showed us anything, it's that sometimes the longer it takes, the sweeter it tastes.
X Factor: Eric Staal
Player to watch: Nikolaj Ehlers
Keys to victory: stingy defense, improve abysmal PP, maintain the low penalty minutes
Calgary
What would a team that's missed the playoffs only once in franchise history know about perseverance you say? Well, once upon a time the Flames were the team you loved to hate. A 3-peat champion from 06-08, everyone thought that a Calgary cup parade was an annual holiday. It didn't quite work out that way. Sure the playoff appearances were always there, but early round exits and several conference finals losses were a needed wake up for Chris. He recognized that the competition isn't as futile as it may have once been. Parity is alive and well in this league, and you can't sleep on anyone. Calgary got to work this year and built what could be their best roster yet. Could it be enough to get back on top remains to be seen, but it's certainly one that instills fear.
X Factor: Mark Scheifele
Player to watch: Rickard Rakell
Keys to victory: maintain dominance at C position, depth scoring, wake up Landeskog from his slumber
Colorado
Sometimes the path to perseverance is to win first, and then learn how to lose so you can get back to winning. That's precisely what Jon and the Avs did. Winning two our the first three seasons must have been sweet, but not making the playoffs 7 straight seasons must have been bitter. The bright side of that is the Avs were able to stock pile enough assets to build what could be a perennial contender. If this ends up being their year, they will certainly look back at the road it took to get back to the top and see just how much patience and perseverance it took.
X Factor: Seth Jones
Player to watch: Phil Kessel
Keys to victory: maintain an incredible scoring pace and PP, reduce shots on net, balanced attack