List your necessary attributes for a Stanley Cup competitive team

[PerreaultForever]

1. Solid goaltending with big save potential.

2. Top ranked specialty teams.

3. A balanced roster that can adapt to different game plans faced. So speed and skill but also grit when needed.

4. Depth. Especially extra competent defensemen.

5. A team concept that everybody buys in to combined with a coach who can make quick adjustments, match ups etc. 

Sabres currently have none of these. 

[Weave]

4 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

3. A balanced roster that can adapt to different game plans faced. So speed and skill but also grit when needed.

 

 

This might be the majority of it right here.

[Andrew Amerk]

A positive, fun, team first attitude. Sort of like what the Bills currently have in place. 

See: videos of the Bills dancing to “Can’t Touch This” and having a team snowball fight for examples. 

Not: Eichel sulking, Miller WTF waves, Vanek grimaces, Ruff hitting Luke Adam over the head with a stick, Leino “I’m in prison” t-shirts, etc. 

Edited April 21, 2021 by Andrew Amerk

[Taro T]

Necessary, but not necessarily sufficient:

1. A goalie that can be 1 of the best 3 in the game when it matters.

2. Very solid STs.  Preference is a great PK & a good PP, but the other way could work.  Fewer calls in the playoffs, so important to not let the opponent gain too much momentum from STs & important to gain it yourself.

3. Coaching that can adjust the game plan to counter 4 different GOOD opponents.

4. At least 2 players that do something well enough to be in the conversation of whether they are the best in the game at that.  

5. Corollary to #3: players that can adjust their style to let the coach's game plan work.

6.  Chemistry - it doesn't take the best players, it takes the right players.  Dixon Ward had played his way back into the A; he got another chance & he complemented Peca extremely well even though on paper he was 'meh.'

7. Players that can stay healthy.  Doubt a team will ever have a run like the '06 Canes again, but the Champs rarely miss a true key piece when it matters.

8. At least 2 D that can play 24ish quality minutes at both ends.

9. Support guys that know their roles, accept them, & relish in them.

There are other things that help, but can't think of a team that won that didn't have these. Most all teams that win have at least 1 guy that is "clutch" and also at least 1 guy that was viewed as adequate but is actually exceptional and builds that resume along the way.

Edited April 22, 2021 by Taro T

[Slack_in_MA]

In addition to the technicals and Xs and Os previously mentioned...

Grit/mental toughness up and down the lineup

Esprit de Corps

Physical toughness

Some timely luck here and there