So what you're saying is that our team defense was lacking last year because we weren't psychical enough?
If it fits what I was saying, then sure I guess I'm saying that. But I wasn't directly saying that. There were multitude of reasons why our "defense" was lacking. One of which was, yes, not being physical enough, especially in front of the net.
I'd say that definitely was a problem, but there were also a multitude of other bigger problems (bad positioning and lack of defensive awareness) that cost us way more.
Agree completely, but toughness shouldn't be ignored.
But I also think we upgraded the team in those areas. To what degree we'll find out as the season progresses... it would, however, genuinely shock me if we were a worse defensive team this year than last
In what ways has the team improved upon bad positioning and lacking defensive awareness?
either way, no, I don't think we need a tough guy running around 'defending' guys when those types of situations are so rare these days that they barely have any affect on the outcome of a season.
They might not have an affect on the outcome of a season, but they sure as hell help get the team closer and become a close knit team, and they are usually the guys that are the glue of the team. Right now, we have on the roster, Beaulieu, Bogosian, Risto, Scandella, and McCabe as those left that fought last year. If Beaulieu is leaned on to be the toughness, that means we also get his negative play in the lineup, Bogosian, you probably are getting 40-50 games out of, which isn't quality hockey himself, Risto & Scandella, I think we can all agree on we don't want in the box if they don't need to, and they are more valuable on the ice than off of it. McCabe, probably the one guy you're okay with having in the lineup, and are okay with having off the ice for serving a fighting penalty. Of the guys who fought, Nolan was the only forward that fought last year.
and I think we did fine stepping up when we needed to last year. not that we we're perfect, but adequate enough when appropriate.
I disagree about the team stepping up and the fine job they did.
our biggest problems were scoring, d awareness, and goaltending. Not 'toughness'
Toughness was a problem, but sure, it wasn't our biggest problem but why fix the roof before it leaks?