Let's face facts. These guys just don't have the hunger to win when it really, really counts, and they have to have that hunger because, with the exception of a couple guys, there are no puck-handling wizards and shooters on this team. You put up that B+ level of ability against the A teams, absent a big extra dose of effort, and it's not even close, as we see.

San Jose's ownership doesn't demand the ultimate prize. How much more apparent does that have to be? They're just happy to be a "well-run," "competitive" organization, with 17,000 taco-eating patrons in the Tank. As long as those metrics are met, they're happy.

And, it can never change unless an adamant owner DEMANDS victory and won't settle for less. Translation: don't expect a Cup anytime soon.