Quite a few years ago, maybe around 2007 - 2011 or so, many of us would get upset with the teams inability to be consistent. Back then I was certain they needed an agitator. I often said we needed a guy or two like Nieminen on the team again. Some agreed with me.
Now we have Tkachuk. He's what we needed. We have it but there are too many who still aren't interested in getting involved in a rough game. I don't think we need all of the players to be the type who seek that style of play out, but we need the players who won't run and hide when the going gets rough. We have too many guys who don't elevate their compete level when the games get tough. Some are guys who used to, like Gaudreau and Lucic. Johnny used to have passion and emotion but that has waned considerably. Lucic... The big tough guy was just a big guy who didn't use his toughness this week. Did he get a special warning from league or team to not do anything out of hand after his suspension? His give a crap meter doesn't seem to be registering anything lately.
Those aren't the only two but just two big examples I've noticed the most.
I still maintain that they need that agitator. Not just Tkachuk, another one to help stir the drink. Then get more players who enjoy rough and tough games and a coach to fire them up and unleash the reigns.
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