It's not that we're an average team. We're just poorly playing in the playoffs this year. If Pacioretty, Markov, Galchenyuk, Plekanec would play at their best, series would probably be in our favor right now. Pacioretty is a 40 goal-scorer if he's not hurt, he's obviously hurt right now. Markov is an absolutely amazing d-man, even at his age and with multiple knee injuries and surgeries, he also is obviously hurt, he takes pain killers on the bench. Him playing poorly, make Subban playing poorly. Galchenyuk, I don't know what the fuck is going on with him. Guy has amazing hands, great body for hockey, heavy shot.. but he looks scared to get hit or do anything with the puck for more than 2 seconds. Plekanec, not at the top of his game defensively and in the faceoff circle don't know why.
If we could have 12 guys playing like Gallagher, Weise and Eller.. damn. I love De La Rose, but put Charles Hudon in there to get some offense at least.
Bolts haven't been A LOT better than us. Except of Game 2, their offense and their PP sucks just as bad as ours. Bishop is far from amazing, he gets easy shots and he's big as fuck. Price isn't on top of his game, TB could get a lot more goals than that.
And everyone saying Habs aren't good without Price. No team is good without their star. Pittsburgh sucks hard without Letang and Dupuis.. even with Crosby and Malkin healthy. Washington aren't as good offensively without Ovi. Isles without Tavares.. Complete shit. Dallas without Seguin and Benn.. AHL team.. ETC ETC ETC.