u/AdditionalAd2538

I don't know who might know the answer to this, but I'll ask it the best way I know how. How do coaches and managers prepare for their next opponents during playoffs. Using the Canes as the example because that's who I'm thinking of: I assume they coaches sit down with game tape and work out areas they need to address, how to plan out line changes and things they need to address with the players during practices to account for those.

Now to the second part of this, the canes don't know who their next opponents will be yet so coaches have to plan for both potential teams. The sabres and canadiens do have to finish their series, but I imagine they know their current plans for that series, but can plan for the one opponent they know they'll have should they make it to the ECF. So how big an advantage is that really to be able to focus their planning ahead of time?

When I think about that game from last night, I remember two fantastic assists being absolutely huge. The first was the SHG from Chatfield, which started in the Canes Defensive zone. Marty sold out to take that pass away from the flyers and get it up ice, where Staal was able to chase it down (I guess the flyers didn't feel like having anyone back there? Where is your defense when a guy that old can just go get the puck?)

The other assist also started in the defensive end and per the RBA playbook the canes won the faceoff and flipped the puck into the neutral zone. Martinook, covered by two flyers players was able to get it to the ice, past the feet of the flyers to Ehlers headed up ice like a speeding bullet. I'm amazed it got to the right spot for him to grab and go with no hesitation.

As one of the guys who used to wonder if he needed to be replaced, I can say no, he embodies the spirit of this team. Give everything you have, even if it doesn't end up being enough, I LOVE that he's out there.