Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
My point is, the idea that a past leader (for instance Mark Giordano) couldn't have brought the same or better professionalism as Brad Richardson, a guy who played around 8 minutes a night on the Kings, and didn't even participate in the Cup Final.
I think it was telling that Gio was selected to be Captain by a championship winning coach back in 2013. Hudler had the championship experience. Cammalleri had been on deeper playoff runs too.
Of course to some extent you want guys who have been through the ways. No one is discounting the experience of Gelinas for us in 04, or Justin Williams for the Kings. And in that sense, the experience of someone like Milan Lucic who was not only a champion in 2011, but also had some major on-ice playoff heartbreaks in 2010, 2013, and 2014 is invaluable.
I just take exception to the idea that a guy who was just along for the ride is somehow causing a trickleup effect on this team's best players. This team had some pretty important leaders in past years. It reminds me of how much Gulutzan kept insisting Troy Brouwer's experience was vital to the team's success.
You don't have to have won, to be a winner in terms of how you carry yourself.
You don't have to be a winner, to have won, either.
I'm sure Richardson and Lewis make the coach happy with their attention to detail, habits, consistent effort etc. But I'm equally sure, for instance, 2019 Ryan and Hathaway would have made the coach equally happy, even with zero experience in the postseason.
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It isn't about one guy bringing it. It isn't a 'thing' that the leader carries in to the room. I mean, it can be at times. But it's more than that.
Richardson and Lewis aren't the leaders on the team. To some extent, Lucic is a leader for sure. But you don't have to be a leader to lead.
It is a huge boost to the culture of a team, and great for the stars to see, to have your depth guys be leading by example, being the hardest workers, being professional every day, being 'reliable', and knowing (and doing) the little things that help you win.