They make the playoffs, but don't think they make the cup final

Would you look forward to playing them knowing they're pissed and the last 2 times they got beat in round 1 they followed that with a Cup final in 15 and back to back Cup wins in 20&21 with Kucherov Stamkos Hedman and Vasilevskiy still from all 3 teams

I'm going to quote Victor Hedman " it feels good to actually working with my trainer rather than rehabbing from injuries. It's been a long summer and I never want that again ". Almost The whole team is in town working out together already.this is going to be a pissed off focused team.

Both great points. The time off and the motivation. I just think that they don't have the same depth they once had.

In a similar vain Vancouver has been motivated to train harder too. I'm sure other teams are as well. The NHL has been more competitive not less and it is harder to predict things. Lots of teams fighting for playoff spots vs years prior many noticeable bottom feeders fighting for 1st draft pick.

But other teams have had more time to rest their bodies and get the extra training the last several years. TB hasn't their "training time is most rehabbing. Is different than training for the upcoming season.