Sure, but it's also worth acknowledging that it's a stretch of, at most, 7 games.

7 games under a new coach, with new linemates and likely in a role you aren't used to.

best on best is great and all, but it's not always a great indicator of what these guys will one day be.
- BINGO!

I agree. I was more commenting that you get some players who are clearly head and shoulders above their peers (Crosby, McDavid, Malkin, Ovechkin, Eichel, Matthews, etc.) - some of those were even obviously above historical comparisons - like how Crosby looked in the WJC. This year, at first I wasn't that impressed by Lafreniere, and then he just took off. Little things, little plays, little moves, the way they handle the puck and the way they process the game, and so on . . . when you consider Byfield and Lafreniere as #1 & #2, there was quite a bit of difference between them in what they showed.

I agree. I was more commenting that you get some players who are clearly head and shoulders above their peers (Crosby, McDavid, Malkin, Ovechkin, Eichel, Matthews, etc.) - some of those were even obviously above historical comparisons - like how Crosby looked in the WJC. This year, at first I wasn't that impressed by Lafreniere, and then he just took off. Little things, little plays, little moves, the way they handle the puck and the way they process the game, and so on . . . when you consider Byfield and Lafreniere as #1 & #2, there was quite a bit of difference between them in what they showed.
- Monkeypunk

So, Lafreniere and Byfield are the new Matthews and Laine ?

So, Lafreniere and Byfield are the new Matthews and Laine ?
- PatC80

i sure hope we get laine this time

Hughson would just call him "Shak"

I can imagine Hughson saying. "Mukhe, rather Mukhamamama, or MukhamahatmaGandhi, uhhh.. Shak, skates it to center ice"
- PatC80

Why do we have to put with Hughson’s crap? Always has a stiffie for the opposition.
Bring back Bowen.

Same.
8-1 Sens.
Lucas.
You really think this team can win 4 rounds which could include wash/boston/st.louis/Dallas.
I didn't know you're a NEW fan.
Now I do

Same.
8-1 Sens.
Lucas.
You really think this team can win 4 rounds which could include wash/boston/st.louis/Dallas.
I didn't know you're a NEW fan.
Now I do
- Oilbad

Sorry but the NHl is not that predictable. All WC teams won their 1st rounds last year.

No, they likely can't if they face those 4 teams. The chances they will? Very unlikely.
And BTW Leafs beat Dallas this week and have also beaten the Blues this year.

Why should Dallas be getting more respect than the Leafs? Leafs are deeper, younger, faster, better and higher in the standings with much better goal diff.