I don't see how this is even a question.
The Flames are weak when it comes to sticking up for themselves and for others. No push back. Nothing fierce to point at.
It's not about goons. That's pointless. It's about a man to man toughness. That doesn't mean taking a retaliatory penalty, but it sure means the risk of taking one goes up. Don't let players take advantage of guys on your team, and if you see it, react.
It's also a personal responsibility thing. Look at Tkachuk. Guys hate him, but already you're getting into situations where as frustrated as he makes teams, nobody is going too far with it, because they know he'll give it back and he won't be careful or nice about it. He's 19, and the toughest and roughest individual on the roster (you could make a case for Engelland, true).
This is on the team, but it's also on Johnny. He can't be Tkachuk, but he's got to learn to stick up for himself. No more complaining and whining to the refs. If guys get chippy with you, get chippy with them. If guys use their stick, use yours. He's small and a skill guy, but that doesn't mean he should just wait around for everyone else to fix this problem for him.
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