azzurri63 said:
WhatIfGodWasALeaf said:
This is the first time in while they've been bullied physically like this.
Would be nice to see some pushback, this is playoff hockey, they need to be able to play this type of game when challenged.
They'll have a better second but games like this is where we will struggle and why we have a ways to go to be an upper echelon team. Been saying it for a long time team is lacking some toughness. Although the game has changed I think it's something that is needed. Great to have skilled guys but if you don't have that grit come playoff time you're not sticking around.
I think you're taking my comment and using it as a springboard to beat your usual drum.
I think they can play gritty when needed.
Soshnikov, Martin, Komarov, Kadri, Boyle, Polak, Carrick, Zaitsev and several other large men like JVR and Matthews.
I wouldn't be opposed to adding a few more guys that can be nasty and be skilled, but I'd also like a few winning lotto tickets if you have them.
Speed and skill kills in this league and sacrificing either for "toughness" is never a good idea over the long haul, if you think otherwise your thinking of the NHL that used to exist, not the one we see presently.
No offense intended here, just being honest.
The first period tonight is likely the result of playing a rested amazing team on the second half of a back to back with travel.