I like how losing to a wagon like Dallas, the team that just ousted the fully reloaded reigning champs, is somehow this massive disappointment.
And blaming their top players for a lack of production (when they were nearly a point per game) is even more comical. That Dallas squad is so stingy, it's like they were built in a lab to be impossible to score against.
Heiskanen
Lundell
Tanev
Harley
Suter
Oettinger
That's such a stacked group. Suter is the only D in their top 5 under 6'2 and he's 6'1 200lbs. They've got a perfect blend veterans and youth, with the size, speed, skill, and reliability you need to win a cup.
- Arguably the best 2 way defenseman in the league
- Two of the best shutdown defenders in hockey
- A 6'4 mobile top pairing 2 way defenseman in Harley
- A potential Hall of Famer in Suter
- One of the best playoff goalies in the league (especially on low and mid danger chances, which is perfect because Dallas allows less high danger chances than anyone)
And they've got plenty of heavy forwards with tons of size. Stankoven is the only player on the team under 6'0, and Steele and Dadonov are the only other guys <6'1.
Take all that size and defensive prowess and add a defensive minded coach like Deboer, and it's surprising that Colorado even scored 15 goals in those 6 games. McDavid and Draisaitl are in for a really tough series.
There's no shame in losing to this Dallas squad. I think they are probably the odds on favorite to win it all.