We unpack a tight, low-scoring start where the team defense shines, Igor looks calm, and the power play sputters. We debate whether a true superstar is required to win a Cup, how to fix the top six, and what smart, non-rental trades could actually move the needle.

• controlled chances against but poor finishing
• reliance on 2–1, 3–2 games to survive
• Panarin’s ceiling vs playoff gravity
• Lafrenière’s role and puck-protection gaps
• faceoff splits hurting PP zone time
• net-front void and PP1 indecision
• term targets over rentals at the deadline
• cap space strategy and window timing
• leadership tone, accountability, and mindset
• West Coast swing expectations and benchmarks