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Maybe my definition of "just fine" is different from yours. When I say "just fine" I am saying that we will be just find to contend with any team in the league.
The Kings didn't beat us in different ways. They beat us in the same way again and again. It is a relatively small problem to fix IMO. Colaiacovo and Huskins are both slower and not the best puck movers. Cole on the other hand is a better skater and I think better with the puck, that is a slight upgrade. A healthy Pietrangelo makes that pairing a lot better, but I've already been over that.
Even if Cole just becomes a #3, he will be playing with arguably the best defenseman in the game. Pietrangelo's ability on the blueline is similar to Crosby's upfront. Petro can elevate the play of his partners. Petro can make a 3-4 into a #2.
I really don't think we should be making judgements on players in July for how they will be in April. We did that last year with Stewart and look what he did. On the other side of the spectrum look at Elliott last season. At a minimum wait until pre-season games, and IMO we should wait at least 10-15 games before we make any type of judgement on Cole for this upcoming season.
Am I the only one remembering how Cole played against Pittsburgh when Crosby was tearing up the league in his return? He had 37 shifts, 21:48 minutes of ice time, 1 assist, and he was a +1 playing against the best player in the game while he was hot. Cole has shown that he can be a shut down defender. He has shown that he can play great with Pietrangelo. He just needs the experience and consistency which comes with playing regularly.
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