Grubs was playing better behind the same awful defense.
Was he though? I don't recall many (if any) games where Gruby faced multiple odd man rushes? I know the 1st shot was going in a lot on Holtby, then he'd face a couple/three odd man breaks and only stop 1 or 2. A PP goal or two would deflect in and it's a 3-4 goal game your offense has to match.. Don't recall Gruby having to play behind that nonsense much, if at all.. Least not while he's been "hot"..
I'm certainly glad the D (and Grubs) has looked better the last month or so, but Holtby has looked better right along with them. The more I'm thinking about this the more I'm not seeing a path for Holtby to still be here (willingly) next year.. Unless Gruby gets yanked early in the series and Holtby carries us to a cup.
Scenario A: Gruby does good and we get past the 2nd round.. Holtby accepts he's not the starter anymore and asks to be traded.
Scenario B: Gruby gets the starts and we lose in round 1 or 2 again.. Holby's says thanks for nothing and asks to be traded.
Scenario C: Gruby gets pulled and Holtby takes us deeper than round 2.. Holtby still asks to be traded cause he's pissed he wasn't the starter to begin with..
Scenario D: Grubs is pulled, Holtby takes us to a Cup.. Everyone kisses his ass and all is forgiven. (Though he still might say fuck off) lol