Andrea Pirlo's managerial experience is limited to nine days as Juventus U-23 coach. So why was he installed as senior team manager within hours of Maurizio Sarri's ouster?
Bayern Munich showed no ill-effects of a long layoff, while Barcelona rode some Messi magic to set the two powers on a quarterfinal collision course in Portugal.
Regardless of what happens in the first round, the Canucks have already proven something to themselves and the hockey world. And the lessons they're learning now will make them better in the long run.