Well maybe the NHL is secretly giving the CAPS something and supporting us to be the new NHL golden child by utilizing the new "NHL Model" of No physical play and lots of ice dancing and toe drags with....
- a 160lb defensemen who not only won't hit anyone, but can't push anyone out of the way, but he can ice dance
- a 3c with enough toughness that he buys girl scout cookies every time he walks out of the grocery store, because the girls at the table selling the cookies intimidate him
- only tough guy on the team who is a threat to actually hit someone is suspended for 20 games
- only D on the team with any grit and occasionally hits opponent into next week - mysteriously moved to IR
- Allow Ovechkin to play and hit a FEW people because he is the face of the franchise and sells tickets
- Allow Oshie to play a somewhat physical game, because he is the US olympic golden boy of shoot outs and a fan favorite
- Tolerates Smith Pelly hitting and playing physical because, lets face it, the NHL marketing needs some....colour
I look at the line up and I see...SOFT. I would not worry about playing against this lineup. I'm not saying they couldn't beat you, but I don't think there will be a lot of ice bags or ice baths needed in the Columbus locker room after the game.
Geez I miss my big hard Willy.