"If they approach the issue superficially as many observers have and conclude that they simply need to add “sandpaper” or “snarl” to their lineup, they’re jumping to the wrong conclusion"
This in my opinion is the right way to think about adding "sandpaper" to a lineup. Hits, blocks, etc. are not in of themselves "defense" or "grit"; they are a means, tools as part of a larger toolbox. Some players are very good at using their physicality and thus throwing hits to forecheck and throw defensemen off-balance. Other players are timely shot-blockers. The old-fashioned "just slam 'em against the boards" people believe in the most useless conception of hits and toughness ever conceived. All of the hit-chasing goonery in the world means nothing if your team can't forecheck, can't maintain possession, can't score, and can't defend.
I wish some people who worship 4th line goons would just understand this. Hockey fights are pretty fun to watch, but a tough guy enforcer who does nothing but fight and has no other purpose in a lineup is a literal wasted roster spot.
Pat Maroon is another guy on the team with a sandpaper/physical style, but I suspect hasn't had the same quality of results as this trio in the playoffs.
"If they approach the issue superficially as many observers have and conclude that they simply need to add “sandpaper” or “snarl” to their lineup, they’re jumping to the wrong conclusion"
This in my opinion is the right way to think about adding "sandpaper" to a lineup. Hits, blocks, etc. are not in of themselves "defense" or "grit"; they are a means, tools as part of a larger toolbox. Some players are very good at using their physicality and thus throwing hits to forecheck and throw defensemen off-balance. Other players are timely shot-blockers. The old-fashioned "just slam 'em against the boards" people believe in the most useless conception of hits and toughness ever conceived. All of the hit-chasing goonery in the world means nothing if your team can't forecheck, can't maintain possession, can't score, and can't defend.
I wish some people who worship 4th line goons would just understand this. Hockey fights are pretty fun to watch, but a tough guy enforcer who does nothing but fight and has no other purpose in a lineup is a literal wasted roster spot.
Pat Maroon is another guy on the team with a sandpaper/physical style, but I suspect hasn't had the same quality of results as this trio in the playoffs.