3rd round

playoff miss

no way they miss

How? This is a contender easily.

goaltending scares me and no depth

where are the goals coming from, whos stopping the puck

1 Kuemper is overrated. 2 demko was crap in the regular season. not enough players to score. blueline is questionalable

Thanks for the flag my sensitive young baby. Typical Hab fan.

These are certainly valid reasons. Very descriptive.

welcome

I reckon this team could win a cup. Kuemper’s been one of the best goalies in the league the last two years on a terrible team, this D is great (two 1D and two 2D in the top 4), it would be cool to see what he could do with some actual support. Third line isn’t great but it’s okay, and the fourth line is really good, and even though there isn’t necessarily a true superstar per se (nobody’s gonna get 100 points here), you have 6 guys in the top 6 that could realistically pot 25 goals apiece (and three or four that could push 35 depending on how much you like Bjorkstrand, I think he’s got that in him with top line minutes and good linemates). I think this team has a nice mix of grit, defense, and offense, with some guys that turn it up in the playoffs (Guentzel, Bennett, Horvat). Very few holes. Definitely a final four candidate with a shot at the cup.

I like to build balanced teams with no downright "elite" players. I like a balanced top six with strong possession, forechecking and power, guys who aren't afraid to score dirty goals who also have the ability to make pretty plays and be fancy from time to time. I always think a strong 4th line can be a big part of a cup team and Bennett Crouse and Aube-Kubel are two-way, gritty and smart. Kuemper is a late bloomer and with a proper team in front of him could be a 50 win guy but he won't have to because Demko can back him up and take meaningful starts.

I don't know how anyone couldn't like this defense. It has offense, defense, power, grit and energy with some leadership and star power when needed.

Winner