You are completely correct.
However, it’s a lot to count for all season and playoffs
Well, what is it, man? When I post about the issues with the 4th line and it isn't surprising that that line is one that needs to be sorted out, you jump on me for it, and say "is that an excuse?" Then you give the team credit for early hustle and effort, but say "well, it's a long season and tough to maintain." So hopefully you understand that the beginning of the season is not the time to make blanket judgments about the team.
Yes, the 4th line comment IS an excuse -- or a possible explanation, if you will. Geez, chill out, it's the friggin' 10th of October! If certain things take time to sort themselves out, so be it.
I have my own personal "NHL story lines" to follow this season. And although it's way too early to make any judgments, one potential one jumps out above others to me as one to follow. In the first week of the season, scoring overall in the league is WAY up. There has been a tremendous influx of talented offensive players entering the league in the past few years who are beginning to mature, AND there were rule changes to shrink goalie pads during the summer. I don't know how much these factors contribute to the early scoring binge or if it is just a temporary phenomenon that will die down, but I'll be interested in following what transpires.