Quote:
Originally Posted by Goriders
Other issue is that they have historically been a soft team. I think that was at least partially addressed with the offseason adds.
Coleman, Lewis, Zadorov, re-signed Ritchie all bring toughness.
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Another big issue has been lack of consistent effort/confidence too. Hopefully, Sutter is able to get the best out of the team.
In terms of actual toughness, I no longer consider this team especially soft. With the additions you've mentioned plus Lucic and Tkachuk in expanded roles (Tkachuk will likely be getting first line minutes and Sutter plays Lucic a lot), the team will be tougher to play against. There's no more entirely soft lines, like there were in the past. Teams won't be taking liberties on any of the lines, like they did in the past.
You could argue that the top 4 defence is soft. But even then Tanev and Andersson aren't especially soft. Even though Hanifin and Valimaki aren't the type to throw down, the still have size.