We are not in a good position as far as losing those guys, but last year was just unreal. I have never seen anything like it in terms of losing one after another. What I have learned is that a team can still compete regardless. It is not about the talent. It is about the compete level, especially when we are in that position. I believe that the structure of your team can save or win some games when you are facing that kind of adversity. Quite frankly, we don't even talk about it. We don't talk about who is in an who is out with the players. We have 20 players. The league tells us we need to put out five plus a goalie on every shift. That is what we are going to do. Of course, on paper, it doesn't look as good, but the mindset is that it doesn't matter. We are a skating team. We are going to respect our structure. We are going to attack that game with a mindset of winning. It is the only way to do it."
I see a team that has a ton of skill and speed to move the puck, make plays, and score. If you look at the teams toward the bottom of the league, it is not just Columbus but some others who are some of the best offensive teams in the league at five-on-five. Columbus is right there. Their production at five-on-five is right near the top of the league. It shows they can score. If you give them opportunities, they are going to make it really hard on you. Right away, they get your attention in that area.
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