Quote:
Originally Posted by Saqe
Toughness is a thing, the Panthers showed it in the playoffs against softer teams like Toronto and Carolina. They were able to physically intimidate their skill guys. I remember seeing a statistic about Mathews' and Marner's average shot range in that series and it was something like double the normal, they became perimeter players.
But it has to be functional toughness, not someone like over the hill Lucic or Reeves (lol Treliving always behind the curve). Guys need to be able to play too not just punch faces or hit.
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This is the key. Face punchers that can't play are no longer viable in today's NHL. The Panthers had legit NHL players like Bennett and Gudas (finished 1 and 2 in playoff hits) hitting Leafs players every chance they could. That's the type of toughness that intimidates teams.