smithers joe

I hate to be a "Debbie downer" but I still think our current record is inflated.  We aren't at our 2010-2012 levels just yet.  Those 2010-2012 teams held huge territorial advantages when our top lines were on the ice.  Thomas Drance the other day pointed out that we actually hold a territorial *dis*advantage when our top lines have been on the ice, 5 on 5.  That, combined with an unusually high shooting percentage, complemented by our over-reliance on the power play, as well as our over-dependance on our top players (Pettersson, Hughes, Miller, Hronek, Boeser, and Demko), and I'm not sure we are quite there yet.  

At best, this is our 2008/09 team......and realistically, we might be a more exceptional version of our 2006-2007 team and/or are 2014-2015 team.  2013 might also be a valid comparison.  

My ultimate point being that I don't expect us to be with Vegas and Boston all season long.  Will gladly eat my uncle's shit with corn in it if I am proven wrong.  

The only line I care about is the playoff line. As long as we are above that. We're good.