It's a killer instinct and this team was missing it. That's why so many of their games were won by 1 goal throughout the regular season. I think Richards brought out the team's killer instinct, keep in mind, Flyers lost in 6 games to CHI. Losing sucks and people remember that. There was a discussion right after that hit on these boards about how this team's approach was just different. It was that killer instinct and that this team turned a corner There was no reason to hit Burrows, they had an empty net and the puck was moving on and Richards buried him. That sends a message and I think he helped elevate Brownies play in the playoffs, not just the hit, but by example. You don't beat your opponent. You destroy their morale and willingness to compete to win a series. MR did that. DB was just starting to get that in his play. DB just started to play viciously and to me it showed.
There is a big difference btw regular season DB vs playoffs. From one cap to another, MR brought a lot of leadership to this team. I don't think we would have won the cup without Richards. They turned it up a notch, the whole team did and I think it was well timed. You're welcome to your own opinion that regular season=playoff success and leadership and all that. I just don't agree with it. That's why they got bounced pretty easily in the past.
