I'm not sure what information was gained? The only thing we learned was that the Avs are a better team, and that the Kings had no chance of beating them. Not sure how anyone didn't know this before the series started.
No that was known already. Don’t want to write a long post on this GDT, but you’re asking for it so here’s a partial list:
-Playoff games are ALWAYS good experiences for young players. Helenius cemented his role as 4th line center. Clarke contined to demonstrate he’s the best dman on the team.
-Kuemper is officially expendable. No need to bring both goalies back.
-The increased physicality shows a decent baseline to build from.
-The D is truly exposed as too immobile to keep up.
-Hiller always preached forecheck but this team actually did it.
-that said, neutral zone clogging can steal a game or two (at best) but can’t win a series against a proper opponent.
-there are no illusions for Luc to fall back on after this loss. If they missed, he gets to blame the injuries and wash his hands. This was a clear demonstration of how much farther they have to go. And for a GM in Holland with no real ties to the org, this is valuable.
They don’t make it, cool. Enjoy a draft pick one or two places higher. If you wish they didn’t make it because watching them lose hurts, how on Earth could this hurt? We all had them as losing before the series started.