Rob_Zepp

I remember reading an article where the journalist claims that Tampa Bay can't be considered the best until Toronto plays its best (paraphrasing, but the meaning is there). in other words, Toronto hasn't played its best, so it is 'guaranteed' to succeed. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's success is unsustainable, so it is 'guaranteed' to drop.

I can't locate the article anymore, but it was really crappy journalism. The writer was so delusional that I was shocked that the editor would allow it to be sent out.

@King Heffy I don't think Tavares was a problem. I see the reasons why he left. Duchene on the other hand. 

That was a distraction. Nylander basically has got a great contract. But it's going to take him the rest of the season to catch up and get back into game shape. So they pretty much wiped out year one. NYI are making up for it by having everyone buy into Trotz system. 

I'm not saying that Tavares himself was a problem, just the media attention and uncertainty.

Nylander's absolute trash who had his numbers inflated by Matthews.  Guy makes Vrbata look like a workaholic.