Skinner to Buffalo for Cliff Pu, 2019 2nd, 2020 3rd, 2020 6th

[herman]

Hard work can make up for talent when the high-end talent is extremely lazy, unmotivated, or otherwise impaired. When we're talking about the highest level of professional hockey, high-end talent wins......everytime. Someone with high-end talent can work just as hard as someone without high-end talent and there will be a gap that just can't be made up.

I know you like your feel-good stories (and that's great), but these athletes are high-end machines. "just trying harder" makes very little difference at this level.

I don't disagree with anything you're saying here.

What I'm talking about is Cliff Pu offsetting his lack of higher-end talent (consistent scoring, consistent offensive instincts) with a hard working attitude to be in the right place and be physically ready to make his plays, which is endearing to the coaching staff that will open up opportunities for those sorts of players. As we've seen with Vegas' Cup run, a significant difference in production really comes down to opportunity and playing with teammates that aren't a full talent tier below.

 

[Frank E]

Hard work can make up for talent when the high-end talent is extremely lazy, unmotivated, or otherwise impaired. When we're talking about the highest level of professional hockey, high-end talent wins......everytime. Someone with high-end talent can work just as hard as someone without high-end talent and there will be a gap that just can't be made up.

I know you like your feel-good stories (and that's great), but these athletes are high-end machines. "just trying harder" makes very little difference at this level.

I don't disagree with anything you're saying here.

What I'm talking about is Cliff Pu offsetting his lack of higher-end talent (consistent scoring, consistent offensive instincts) with a hard working attitude to be in the right place and be physically ready to make his plays, which is endearing to the coaching staff that will open up opportunities for those sorts of players. As we've seen with Vegas' Cup run, a significant difference in production really comes down to opportunity and playing with teammates that aren't a full talent tier below.

But are they properly motivating him?