NHL Rumors: John Tortorella, Barry Trotz Finalists for Flyers Head Coaching Job
Jun 11, 2022
COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 2: Head Coach John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches his team play against the Detroit Red Wings on March 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Flyers have narrowed down their coaching search, with Barry Trotz and John Tortorella included as finalists, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.
The Flyers fired Alain Vigneault in December, just 22 games into the season and following an eight-game losing streak. Mike Yeo was appointed as interim head coach, but the Flyers went just 17-36-7 under his watch and missed the postseason for the second straight year.
Between the 1994-95 and 2011-12 seasons, the Flyers missed the playoffs just once. But since then, the team has qualified for the postseason just four times in the past 10 years, cycling through six different coaches (Peter Laviolette, Craig Berube, Dave Hakstol and Vigneault) and interim coaches (Scott Gordon and Yeo) in that time.
Since the team's inception in 1966, the Flyers have gone through 22 different head coaches and interim coaches, so turnover at the position has been the norm. Fred Shero (1971-78) is the only Flyers coach in the team's history to last five or more years.
In the past, that didn't keep the Flyers from being a consistent playoff team, outside a few dry patches. In recent years, that trend has changed.
As for the reported finalists, the 63-year-old Tortorella has coached for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers (twice), Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks, accumulating a 673-541-37 record with 12 playoff berths and a Stanley Cup championship in the 2002-03 season with the Lightning.
Trotz, 59, has coached for the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and New York Islanders in his career, going 557-479-60 with 14 playoff berths and a Stanley Cup title in the 2017-18 season with the Capitals.
If the pair are indeed finalists for Philly, the team is clearly looking to bring in a veteran, established coach to turn the ship around as it continues to rebuild and retool.
Rangers Collapse Deemed 'Inevitable' After Game 5 Loss to Lightning in NHL Playoffs
Jun 10, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 09: Andrew Copp #18 of the New York Rangers and Erik Cernak #81 of the Tampa Bay Lightning exchange words in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on June 9, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
The New York Rangers' dream season is quickly shifting into a nightmare.
After a surprisingly strong regular season, New York put together a magical postseason run to find itself in the Eastern Conference Final against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. The Rangers then took a 2-0 lead and it looked like the magic would continue, but it looks like they've ran out of luck.
New York is on the brink of elimination after losing to Tampa Bay 3-1 in Thursday's Game 5 at Madison Square Garden to fall behind 3-2 in the series.
The Rangers held a 1-0 lead in the second period before the Lightning tied it in the same frame. Tampa Bay winger Ondrej Palat scored with 1:50 remaining in the third period to give his team the lead for good. Brandon Hagel capped the scoring less than a minute later with an empty-netter.
New York was never expected to reach this point in the playoffs in the first place, and the team's inexperience has become glaring. After the game, fans online couldn't help but point out the predictability of the Rangers' collapse, with some believing it always was just a matter of time.
Taking Lighting to win the series when they went down 2-0 was free juice. This Rangers collapse was inevitable. They’re just not a better team than the Lightning. Avs vs Lightning was always the way
— StraightTalkSports (@StraightTalkSp1) June 10, 2022
Rangers play some infuriating hockey. Lightning are so much better it’s crazy
The Rangers are a young team that is ahead of schedule. New York is built to be a title contender for years to come, but this year it is just overmatched against Tampa Bay.
It's hard to imagine that the Rangers will score the upset as the series moves back to Tampa Bay for Saturday's Game 6. The way both teams are playing, the Lightning have the clear edge. All signs point to New York waking up from its dream and facing the reality of preparing for next season.
These are trying times in Boston. Not only have the Bruins not won a Stanley Cup in 11 years, but they've also gradually slid backward from near-misses in 2013...
Much of the focus of fans and pundits will be on where the top unrestricted free agents end up when the NHL's free-agent market opens at noon ET on July 13....
Artemi Panarin Ripped By Rangers Fans in Game 4 Loss vs. Lightning
Jun 8, 2022
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Eastern Conference finals Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
The Eastern Conference Final between the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning is officially a series after the Bolts tied it 2-2 with a 4-1 win in Game 4 on Tuesday at Amalie Arena.
New York didn't get particularly great play from any player on Tuesday night, though fans were particularly critical of Artemi Panarin. He did score a goal on the power play late in the third period, but it was too little, too late.
Panarin's performance this postseason, especially against the Bolts, has left fans wanting more from the player their team is paying $81.5 million over seven years.
Embarrassing effort by Panarin defensively once again. Just can’t continue to happen if this team plans on winning.
Is it just me or is Panarin not built for the playoffs! Soft players can’t play a hard game & that’s what the nhl playoffs are all about! He plays scared..afraid to take a hit & never throws a hit! #softbakedBread
The Artemi Panarin Bread Company must be outta dough tonight. He’s been the yeast impressive player. His game is a little flat and kinda stale. He kneads to rise up for the NY Rangers.#StanleyCup#NHL#GoBolts#NoQuitInNY
Panarin had an impressive regular season, tallying 22 goals and 74 assists for 96 points in 75 games, but his performance this postseason hasn't lived up to fans' expectations.
The 30-year-old has six goals and 10 assists in 18 games, and two goals and three assists against the Bolts, but he has turned the puck over far too much and also has been a defensive liability.
According to MoneyPuck.com, Panarin entered Tuesday's game leading all skaters this postseason with 37 giveaways in 17 games, nine more than Jacob Trouba, who has the second-most giveaways with 28.
With the Rangers getting solid production out of many unsuspecting players, such as Andrew Copp and Frank Vatrano, the team needs Panarin to play his game if it wants to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Game 5 between the Rangers and Lightning is set for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in New York.
Devils' P.K. Subban Wins 2022 King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Jun 8, 2022
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils bounces the puck during warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban was announced Tuesday as the winner of the 2021-22 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is given to the player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."
Subban beat out Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse for the honor. He is the first Devils player to ever win the award.
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. @PKSubban1 spoke about what it means to win this award. #NHLAwardspic.twitter.com/mClxOZNVvf
As the winner, Subban will receive a $25,000 donation from the NHL to a charity of his choice. Getzlaf and Nurse each get a $5,000 donation to a charity of their choices as runners-up.
Subban has been an advocate for racial and social justice throughout his hockey career and has also made financial contributions to numerous charities, most recently making donations for COVID-19 relief and to Ukrainian cancer patients.
The 33-year-old launched the P.K. Subban Foundation in 2014 during his fifth season with the Montreal Canadiens and promised $10 million over seven years to the Montreal Children's Hospital.
Subban also founded Blueline Buddies in 2016, his first season with the Nashville Predators. The program aims to improve the relationship between law enforcement and youth in their communities. He has continued the program in New Jersey.
Subban has spent the last three seasons of his career with the Devils. During the 2021-22 season, he tallied five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 77 games.
The Ontario native spent the first seven years of his career with the Canadiens before being traded to the Predators in the Shea Weber deal. He spent three years in Nashville before being traded to New Jersey.
Subban just completed the final year of his eight-year, $72 million contract and is set to be an unrestricted free agent. It's unclear if the Devils have plans to re-sign him this summer.
NHL Playoffs 2022: Odds, Hot Takes, Top Storylines for Rangers vs. Lightning Game 4
Jun 7, 2022
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 05: Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the New York Rangers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on June 05, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers know they are playing for the right to take on the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final, but the winner of the Eastern Conference could take some time to determine.
The Lightning got back into the series with a Game 3 victory Sunday, and they could move level with the Rangers with a win at home in Game 4 on Tuesday night .
Tampa Bay's path to victory on Sunday afternoon was not ideal, as it conceded twice before it beat Igor Shesterkin three times in the final 30 minutes.
The two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion can't afford another slow start, as Shesterkin is more than capable of shutting the door with a lead in hand.
Special teams could be the key for the Lightning, who scored twice on the power play to get back into Game 3 but allowed the Rangers to open the scoring with two power-play goals.
Whichever team cleans up its penalty kill could have the edge in Game 4.
Money Line: Tampa Bay (-170; bet $170 to win $100); New York (+150; bet $100 to win $150)
Over/Under: 5.5
Puck Line: Tampa Bay (-1.5; +150); New York (+1.5; -170)
Tampa Bay Needs Much Better Start On Home Ice
Tampa Bay has not started well throughout the series.
The Lightning gave up the opening goal in Game 1, allowed two first-period tallies after scoring first in Game 2 and conceded two power-play goals in the second period of Game 3.
Luckily for the Lightning, they rallied in Game 3 with two power-play goals of their own and a late game-winner off the stick of Ondrej Palat to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
Getting to Shesterkin early is imperative. Once he settles into a rhythm, he could turn away a high number of shots like he did with his 49 saves in Game 3.
A first-period goal would ease the pressure inside Amalie Arena and allow the Lightning to shift the nerves over to the young Rangers.
Tampa Bay needs its playoff experience to show from the first puck drop so that it can go back to Madison Square Garden with a best-of-three series on its hands.
Penalty Kill Needs To Be Better On Both Ends
An improved penalty kill could be the difference-maker for either side in Game 3.
The Rangers and Lightning combined for two power-play goals in Games 1 and 2 and had two each in Game 3. Palat's game-winner was the only tally recorded at even strength.
The margins could be small in Game 4, or any contest beyond Tuesday night, because both goalies are capable of taking over the series.
Shesterkin received most of the goalie attention this postseason because of his output for the Rangers, but do not count out Andrei Vasilevskiy from changing the series on his own. After all, this is the back-to-back Stanley Cup winning netminder.
If one of the Eastern Conference Final participants cleans up their penalty kill before the other, that could make all the difference in Game 4, especially if the goalies play at a high level at even strength.
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Avalanche's Magic Season Just Needs the Stanley Cup to be Complete
Jun 7, 2022
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 06: The Colorado Avalanche celebrate after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime in Game Four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 06, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
The Eastern Conference Final was billed as a battle of the two best goaltenders in the world, while the Western Conference Final featured two of the best forwards in the world.
On Monday night, Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche bested Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, just as many predicted.
It's not that MacKinnon is better than McDavid—though he might have a claim to being the second-best player in the world—but the Avalanche are built to win and built to win now. The Oilers overcame poor roster construction and a midseason coaching change to get to this point, but their season is over after Colorado completed the swept with a 6-5 overtime victory.
An Avs win always felt inevitable. They proved they belong in the Stanley Cup Final by stepping on the throats of their opponents and not letting up, from their opening series against the Nashville Predators to their second-round win versus the St. Louis Blues. After years of playoff disappointment, the narrative around the team has shifted as the Avalanche have exorcised playoff demons and shown they know how to win when it counts, and done so convincingly.
Artturi Lehkonen scored the overtime winner—which was fitting since he scored the overtime winner that sent the Montreal Canadiens to the Cup Final last year—but Cale Makar set it up with a rocket of a shot from the point, which was maybe even more fitting given how Makar has driven this team through the postseason.
The defenseman had a five-point night to bring his total to 22. His 17.43 expected goals in the postseason trail only McDavid's 20.68. He was named a Norris Trophy finalist for his incredible production in the regular season, and he's looked every bit as good in the postseason. He might be the best two-way defenseman in the league, and he proved that by being matched up with McDavid shift by shift.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 06: The Colorado Avalanche pose with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime in Game Four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 06, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Colorado has a deep defense corps outside of Makar and his partner, Devon Toews. The Avalanche lost Samuel Girard in the second round when he broke his sternum against the Blues, but Bowen Byram, who missed so much of the last few seasons with concussion issues, has been having a breakout postseason.
Per Corey Sznajder, the Avs blueliners have proved to be adept at evading pressure and avoiding turnovers.
Puck retrievals were the main category I added to my tracking this year. It's another way to look at zone eixts, but more of how good defensemen are at evading pressure to make plays or avoid turnovers. Not a surprise to see Colorado as the leader in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/wmxUiuoucy
And the defensemen had to be good, especially against McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But the Oilers provided help in that regard, particularly in net.
Despite a characteristically dominant performance by McDavid and an unreal performance by a clearly hobbled Draisaitl, Edmonton was undone by inconsistent goaltending from Mike Smith and by a much deeper Colorado roster.
It's unfortunate that fans will have to wait yet another year to see if McDavid and Draisaitl can make it to a Stanley Cup Final, and it's maddening for fans in Alberta to see a team with world-class players continually come up short. There were times during this run that it felt like McDavid was singlehandedly winning games, dragging the Oilers from series to series.
Edmonton now has a lot of time off to figure out where to go next. General manager Ken Holland has to make a decision about interim coach Jay Woodcroft, and it's unlikely the club will be able to afford Evander Kane. The Oilers lack depth and a No. 1 goaltender and are in deep trouble with the salary cap.
That's a story for another day. For now, the focus is on Colorado.
While the Avs have been impressive, they're also banged up, and their depth will be tested in the Cup Final. Nazem Kadri was injured in Game 3, and it's unlikely he will play another game this season. He was making a case to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
But the biggest question for the Avalanche in the next round is arguably goaltending. It's been an eventful postseason for netminders all over the league, and Colorado hasn't been immune to the drama. Darcy Kuemper was injured during Game 1 and missed Games 2-4.
Pavel Francouz recorded a shutout in Game 3 but allowed five goals in Game 4. Kuemper was able to back him up, which was a promising sign, and the time off will be beneficial.
A year ago, MacKinnon lamented Colorado's lack of postseason success in a sullen news conference. The desire to rewrite the narrative has helped power the Avs to the top, which is where a team with two top-five players belongs.
All they have to do now is finish the job to secure the legacy.
Loss to Avs Shouldn't Dampen Optimism for Connor McDavid and the Oilers in the Future
Jun 7, 2022
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 04: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after scoring against Colorado Avalanche in the first period in Game Three of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 04, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
It's a sad day in Alberta's capital city.
Flags are coming down. Wagers are being paid. Beards are being shaved.
Because the Edmonton Oilers didn't win the Stanley Cup.
After a gut-wrenching 6-5 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final completed an inglorious weeklong sweep, the franchise in the NHL's northernmost city won't be having a parade.
It's been 31 consecutive seasons since the franchise last hoisted the Stanley Cup when the team won its fifth title in seven years.
So for fans of a certain age, it’s just another unsatisfying spring in the “City of (Ex-)Champions.”
Still, it seems a little different this time around.
Rather than compiling post-mortems with more laundry lists of reasons the team can't win as currently constructed, those closest to the group are actually suggesting (gasp!) optimism.
Not surprisingly, the biggest reasons wear uniform Nos. 97 and 29.
EDMONTON, AB - MAY 14: Edmonton Oilers Center Connor McDavid (97) and Edmonton Oilers Center Leon Draisaitl (29) wait for a puck drop in the second period during the Edmonton Oilers versus the Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup playoffs round 1, game 7 on May 14, 2022 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Though the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl captured four scoring titles, three MVPs and four Ted Lindsay Awards, they managed to win just eight playoff games—and one playoff series—across their first six seasons of playing together since McDavid was picked No. 1 overall in 2015.
Certainly shy of the four banners that Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier hung before their partnership ended in 1988.
But stirring series wins over the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames this spring created the momentum to suggest it can happen again—at least once because they're still a pretty good pair.
Even after a four-game erasure by the Avalanche, both McDavid (33) and Draisaitl (32) are still well ahead in the league's playoff scoring race thanks to the cartoonish rate at which they'd produced against the Kings and Flames.
Most points in a playoff year without making it to the #StanleyCup Final: 35- Doug Gilmour (TOR, 1993) 33- Connor McDavid (@EdmontonOilers in 2022 via 10 goals & 23 assists) 33- Rick Middleton (BOS, 1983) 32- Leon Draisaitl (EDM in 2022 via 7G-25A) 32- Barry Pederson (BOS, 1983) pic.twitter.com/su1HvP2zTn
That clip was on the heels of an equally absurd season in which they’d finished first and fourth in the league with a combined 233 total points.
And the best news? They’re no longer alone.
Individual accolades notwithstanding, the uptick in Edmontonian positivity has more than a little to do with the sturdier supporting cast assembled by embattled general manager Ken Holland.
Winger Zach Hyman was brought in on a seven-year, $38.5 million deal last summer and paid off with career-highs in goals (27) and points (54).
Evander Kane was plucked from the NHL bargain bin in late January and scored 35 goals in 58 regular and postseason games.
Minor-league coach Jay Woodcroft arrived after Dave Tippett was fired on February 10, and the Oilers responded with a 26-9-3 record down the stretch. It included a 14-0-1 run across the final 15 home games, as the Oilers set a new franchise record for consecutive games with a point at home.
In fact, Woodcroft's eight playoff wins are already tied for fifth in Edmonton's coaching history.
"A little bit of a younger voice," McDavid said of his head coach to the Canadian Press (h/t TheStar.com).
“He’s brought a lot of energy and a lot of passion to the job. We fed off that. The message he preaches is something that I think we all agree with. Something that we all can buy into.”
Woodcroft's bond with youngsters Ryan McLeod (two goals against Colorado) and Dylan Holloway (NHL debut in Game 4 of the WCF) was forged in the AHL and makes them vital to Edmonton as it heads into an important offseason. The Oilers have an onerous salary cap situation ($7.1 million) and uncertainty in goal and on defense.
Defensemen Evan Bouchard, 22, and Philip Broberg, 20, could be promoted to full-time, too, potentially giving the team nine of its own first-round picks in the everyday lineup.
The prolific Kane warrants a big boost from the prorated $1.38 million he made with the Oilers through season's end. Meanwhile, McLeod, Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto are due for raises as restricted free agents alongside decisions to be made on another eight with unrestricted status.
A deep, skilled Colorado team revealed Edmonton's soft blue line, with an average of 43.0 shots allowed—following a season with a rate of 32.3 shots (12th-most in the NHL) and overall playoffs with an average of 38.9 shots (fourth-most)—that simultaneously magnified questions in the net.
Forty-year-old starter Mike Smith was statistically sound—2.81 goals-against average and .915 save percentage—for a second straight regular season.
But his inconsistency was never more apparent than in a series-defining Game 3 when a number of spectacular saves were followed by a game-winning goal by third-line center J.T. Compher that trickled through his legs with 7:18 remaining.
He allowed six goals on 42 shots in the finale—including four in the third period—and finished with a pedestrian .872 save percentage and a downright ugly 5.57 goals-against average. On the flip side, Avalanche backup Pavel Francouz posted a .908 and a 2.81 GAA.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 04: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92), Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13), Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram (4), Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (7) Nichushkin"u2019s goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41)in the period during game three of the NHL Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals at Rogers Place June 04, 2022. (Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Smith is signed for one more season at $2.2 million, while backup Mikko Koskinen's three-year, $13.5 million deal is expiring. Holland will either have to stand pat and give AHL stalwart Stuart Skinner a shot at the full-time job after a 14-game audition or swing a deal to bring in an established commodity.
It's a lot for a GM, particularly one who's 66, to contend with.
And if he doesn't make the right choices, it won't be long before familiar fan angst returns.
But while the season's practical result was similar—no Cup, again—a surprise run to the league's final four and the continued prolific presence of the world's best player go a long way toward exorcising a generation of demons.
It also provided Holland with some additional time to keep the good vibes going.
Oilers' Mike Smith Blasted by Fans for Late-Game Collapse as Avalanche Complete Sweep
Jun 7, 2022
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 06: Mike Smith #41 of the Edmonton Oilers defends against Bowen Byram #4 of the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 06, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
The Colorado Avalanche are headed to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2001.
Colorado completed its sweep of the Edmonton Oilers with a dramatic 6-5 overtime victory in Monday's Game 4 of the Western Conference Final. Artturi Lehkonen buried the overtime winner, and the Avalanche will now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.
It seemed for much of the game like the Oilers were going to prevent a celebration on their home ice.
Leon Draisaitl battled through injuries in a gutsy and inspiring performance to finish with four assists. Connor McDavid had two goals and one assist, while Zach Hyman scored twice. It should have been enough offense to win, but goaltender Mike Smith gave up three goals in under six minutes in the third period and the winner in overtime.
That collapse drew plenty of ridicule from social media:
honestly gotta respect Mike Smith for getting burned basically every time he steps a single toe outside his crease but still continuing to do it every single game no matter the stakes. a stubborn king.
Edmonton's collapse was a primary storyline, but the Avalanche deserve plenty of credit on the other side. It would have been easy to just look ahead to Game 5 at home with a 3-1 lead after they fell behind by multiple goals, but the unstoppable attack continued to put pressure on Smith.
Cale Makar finished with one goal and four assists in an unbelievable performance, while Gabriel Landeskog and Lehkonen each had three points on one goal and two assists.
Colorado will be facing better goaltending in the Stanley Cup Final, but it will be difficult to stop the Avalanche if they continue playing at such a high level.
