Jimbo1119
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 760
If the formula for next year is to rely on another Vezina season, 50+ goals from Kreider, and an off the charts PP...then yes- can see regression coming.
But if they can make strides in 5X5 play...much which would be predicated on the continued development of Kakko, LaF, Miller, and Chytl (BTW nothing unreasonable to expect here)...And IF they can get a 3rd pair which outplays this past year's 3rd pairing (again- not unreasonable here to hope for from whatever combination of Nils/Schneidr/Jones vs. the tire fire consistently deployed last year as a 3rd pairing)...then maybe a regression is not in order. And who knows what to expect from guys like Blais, Krav, Othmann, and Cuylle? If any one of these guys provides a boost to the lineup then a huge stride will have been made in getting bottom 6 production- which is sorely need to keep moving forward.
One more thing to consider: with teams like WASH and PITT seemingly past their peaks, a few teams in flux, and really only the NJD being a young team tracking up....the Metro Division is not expected to be the gauntlet it was a few years ago...of course I can be very wrong with this point!!