What wins cups?

[The Q stache]

A good team

 

[sabre0917]

F philly fans!!! Just because Buffalo hasnt won anything doesnt mean most Philly fans remember any of theres!!! muhahahahah

 

[The Croz Man Cometh]

16 wins in the post season helps a lot too.

 

[Automattic]

Dup kicked out one helluva list that has been added to nicely. I would like to add coaching. Finding line combos during the PO's with a team that has injuries or players that are flat out shitting the bed must be taken care of immediately. Keeping a short leash on a guy who had a monster regular season, but is known for folding under pressure, can be a hard and unpopular thing to do.
Keeping the team on an even keel mentally is huge too. He must instill faith and lead with confident authority. There is no time for anyone on your team to second guess you. When Babcock pulled Hasek in '08, the goaltending didn't get better. The Whole team did.

And lastly, thank the upper management. You can't put the puzzle together if they don't buy the pieces that fit.

 

[kenyg54]

and defense.

Yes you can substitute "hot goaltending" with "outstanding defense". The Wings won 2 of their recent 4 Cups without a "hot goaltender"

 

[Darkstone42]

A good team

You took mine, darn it!

But seriously, getting the right match-ups is another key point that I haven't seen yet. Montreal got favorable match-ups against Pittsburgh and Washington because they handle good, perimeter offenses quite well. When they got Philly, they couldn't beat them because they don't use a perimeter offense. Match-ups were a major part of at least the Eastern Conference.

 

[PhillyPhaithful48]

Yes you can substitute "hot goaltending" with "outstanding defense". The Wings won 2 of their recent 4 Cups without a "hot goaltender"

MmmmmMmmmm Hot goaltending. Brings me back to the Hot Hockey Chicks Thread

 

[Dupster]

Wings forwards had the puck most of the games, it wasn't like Lidstrom was blocking 10 shots a game or anything.

 

[kenyg54]

Wings forwards had the puck most of the games, it wasn't like Lidstrom was blocking 10 shots a game or anything.

That's part of good defense

 

[Dupster]

True, but not necessarily by the D-men.

 

[Automattic]

Wings forwards had the puck most of the games, it wasn't like Lidstrom was blocking 10 shots a game or anything.

I don't want to see Lidstrom block ten shots. I like to see him get in one passing lane (the other team doesn't even get one shot), and then the Wings proceed to shoot ten times on the opposing goalie.

 

[HonusWagner66]

A good combination of what everyone has said in this thread. Having great goaltending doesn't assure you the Cup, nor does a great blueline or great group of forwards.

Teams usually have to have to be elite in one aspect of the game, but still pretty good in the others. A weakness will usually catch up with a team throughout the playoffs. Depth is important too. A solid third/fourth line and a good bottom defensive pairing will help out in a long tournament, as will serviceable scratches.

Biggest thing really is luck in my opinion. All the pieces have to fall together at the right time (I consider "health" as part of luck).

 

[BOSSMANPC]

Roll players producing.

Goal tenders playing at their best

Team health

Good bounces and calls.

Your stars playing like stars.

All teammates putting it on the line.

A loud and supportive home crowd.

A favorable travel schedule.

Luck.

Desire.

Discipline, staying out of the penalty box.

Special team's performing.

Good coaching for line match ups.

The ref's letting the teams play and calling penalties even.

Coaching that takes advantage of the other team's weaknesses.

There always seems to be a players that "steps up" you need that guy.

 

[CatScrap]

how about not signing Kovalchuk?