They finish every check, they never stop skating, they don't "poke and hope".
Tatar is a good player, but it will take him time to forget the country club requirements he came from.
I think this is exactly it. Red Wings are a basement team and have been for 2+ years. Every player knew it coming in for training camp last year and this year. He gets traded to a team that...
It isnt even worth listing all the metaphors for Vegas at this stage. Obviously, no one believed in them except them. Now people notice, but no one did in training camp.
Tatar has to readjust to a contending team's mentality. Especially when the contending team isnt a normal contending team in star power, a la Pitt, TB, Caps, etc. Vegas is where it is right now because their first line is awesome and outplays the other team's most nights, roster-wide speed, depth and above all, dogged work ethic instilled by an excellent coach.
Tatar will contribute next year for them or even last night's goal gets him going, but Vegas plays a risky, attacking forecheck, something Tats isnt very good at. Vegas is great between the bluelines and can move the puck up ice and make plays, yes, but what separates them being good to great, is their tenacious forecheck. They hound opposing defences, constant pressure, it wears on the other team mentally, makes them do things a beat faster than they want to, or opt for a safer play because they dont want to turn it over. When youre tenative and safe, you dont usually win against good teams. Meanwhile, Vegas plays like they have nothing to lose and nothing to prove. They play loose, they play fun and if it doesnt work that night, they do the same damn thing tomorrow. Its fun to watch.