Quoting: mv21227
I think Calgary still could be. Maybe Vegas bounces back also but idk. I do think we have a good chance of making it though
With Vegas, you have to weigh the balance between being healthier against losing Pacioretty. I honestly think by dumping Pacioretty, the golden knights might have just taken themselves out of conversation for cup contention. I'm not even sure William Karlsson is a quality 2C anymore for that matter, plus their bottom six doesn't look like anything exceptional anymore. It's not bad, it just doesn't look all that exception either
With Calgary, all of a sudden having 1 less elite forward really changes the complexion of their forward group for me. Their blueline is still very strong with the addition of Weegar, but Tanev is older and Kylington is a big wild card especially when he's playing away from Tanev. Backlund, Coleman, and Mangiapane is a really strong checking line, but they're ideally more 3rd line caliber than they are 2nd line, so I wouldn't overestimate their usage, so yeah, with the flames, they've got good goaltending and defense, but their forward group is a major question mark for me
I sort of wonder what the vibe is going to be like in the flames locker room, having to say good by to your two best forwards while still playing for a demanding old school coach, I have some reservations about that