Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
Big deal.
The players can still choose to not play hard for Sutter. If a Monahan or a Tkachuk don't like what Sutter is selling, they have all the power to get themselves traded. They don't care if the Calgary Flames lose Sean Monahan, the Calgary Flames care if the Calgary Flames lose Sean Monahan.
But there's the thing.
This idea that the players - the core - just tune out the coaches is just sensationalism.
They do buy what Sutter is selling, and it's got nothing to do with fear.
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Fear is maybe the wrong word, but it’s pure unfounded speculation to believe the players aren’t more concerned about performing poorly for Sutter than other coaches. Or that they were “confused” about Ward’s systems especially when Sutter’s aren’t that much different, aside from work rate and execution.
They can choose not to work hard for Sutter, and players have in the past, and the consequences were not fun for the players. They may be millionaires, but they are also 20 year old kids. Sutter uses intimidation when he thinks it works - ask his former players. He also uses a bunch of other motivational techniques. And Treliving has made it clear about 3 or 4 times now that Sutter will win any contests going forward. He’s not getting fired.