The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league that consists of 31 teams across North America. Every season, teams battle it out for the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious trophy in hockey. Unfortunately, injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and can often derail a team’s playoff hopes. Despite this, many teams have managed to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.
One example of a team that has overcome injuries to make a deep playoff run is the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 2016-2017 season, the Penguins were hit hard by injuries to key players such as Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Despite this, they still managed to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, where they eventually lost to the Nashville Predators.
The Penguins’ success was due in large part to their ability to adapt and play a different style of hockey. Without their star players, they relied on their depth and team defense to carry them through the playoffs. They also received strong goaltending from Matt Murray, who stepped up in the absence of Marc-Andre Fleury.
Another team that has managed to overcome injuries is the Washington Capitals. In the 2017-2018 season, the Capitals were without their star defenseman John Carlson for much of the playoffs. Despite this, they still managed to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, where they eventually lost to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Capitals’ success was due in large part to their ability to adjust their game plan and play a more defensive style of hockey. They also received strong goaltending from Braden Holtby, who stepped up in the absence of Philipp Grubauer.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of hockey, but they don’t have to be a death sentence for a team’s playoff hopes. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are just two examples of teams that have managed to adapt and persevere despite injuries to key players. With the right attitude and game plan, any team can overcome adversity and make a deep playoff run.