@ Schenn:

Well, maybe. But then don’t forget we really didn’t start to really mesh since about 13 games ago. After those initial eight games (and the week long break following them), we had another level then before, but not at the level we are at now. I’ve watched most of the games this year (missed 3 : the wins against ANA and DET the more noticable ones) and I think we’ve only come along very recently. I’d say that this level was achieved after the 3-0 Buffalo game (Boston games nonwithstanding) game, but we’ve been playing solid since that 2-1 win against Washington on Nov. 21, and that leads to our current streak of 8-3-1 in our last 12. So really, the chemistry took about 10 games for our older group to get back together, but now with Kessel, Beauchemin (that game against WSH on the 21th was huge for him), and others really playing their role on the team, I’d say this streak is the team that, if they can keep working as they have been, is the team we could’ve seen earlier in the season if chemistry was faster to rear it’s head.

So really, the pre-season games would’ve helped, but it would’ve maybe made the whole team better say, 2-4 games earlier (which could transform all those close losses or OT losses into OTL’s and Wins respectivly…)