There’s always optimism and brightness heading into a season. Daniel Sprong is going to score 30 goals for sure! If not 30, then darn sure 20! Kris Letang will regain his form! Sidney Crosby will get more luck and a better on-ice scoring percentage! Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel will just easily keep rolling off good seasons! Derick Brassard will find comfort and productivity!
All of this may well happen, or most of it anyways. But the picture of what is to be is never as bright or pure as before the season actually starts, when ideals are still to be chased.