So depth will be a factor. To me he is a great international coach but a horrible NHL coach who couldn't match lines if he was a drug dealer. If anybody could be accused of undercoaching, Hlinka is it. It's one thing to let your star players win or lose games for year. They have been winning the games that count down the wire and hold their own fate for the playoffs.
Nobody gets any respect until they get into the playoffs.
Don't look now, but the Bruins are two points behind, and I think they have an easier schedule. I know the 'Canes have a game in hand. Let's chat again in a couple of weeks. The biggest reason Carolina doesn't get any respect is because the 'Canes have been a .500 team forever. You have to do something before people talk about you as an elite team.