That there are two legitimately skilled players on each of the first 3 lines (I now consider Regin as part of the skilled category, esp. given his dangle on Soupy and Huet). And the 4th is a punishing checking line if I’ve ever seen one. Clouston can manage personnel like few Ottawa coaches have been able to.

Although, I’m beginning to doubt Michalek’s playmaking and finishing abilities.. 8 assists all year? Strangely low when surrounded by Ottawa’s top talents. Sure, he had plenty of first half goals, but many came from odd, obtusely angled shots. He’s a very north-south player that generally finds his way to the corner in a hurry more often than the net. Just wish he’d take a page from Alfie’s playbook and take some time to let the play catch up to him once in a while.