How real is Vegas
OK, Vegas is good. But just how good are they? We are almost 1/2 way through the season, so its a good time to evaluate:
-They have the second highest point total in the league. Only 4 points behind Tampa and with a game in hand.
-They are on pace for about 120 points.
-To get to 92 points (usually the minimum total to reach the playoffs), they need to get 38 points in 45 games
-They have played a lot of the early games at home, and will look to have a tougher schedule the 2nd half of the year...but...
-They are where they are with major goalie injuries for a good portion of the year. Maxime Legace has played the most games in goal for them due to injuries...and has a 3.79 gaa and .879 save percentage. If they had either of their top 2 goalies for those games (Suban 2.25 gaa or Fleury 1.96 gaa) would it seem pretty easy to expect them to be ahead of Tampa for the best record in the league now?
-Take out Legaces horrible goaltending...and without him Vegas is 20 wins, 3 LOSSES, and one OT loss.
-They have won 7 in a row...and 11 out of 12...the only loss was a shootout loss.
I still woulnd't place a big bet on Vegas to win the cup..and even wouldn't be surprised to see them not reach the second round the playoffs, but at this point..do they at least have to be considered a legit cup contender?