I've always been a Nurse fan. I like my D ornery. Darnell obviously fits that bill to a tee. He's not a bit part here either and I could never understand people wanting him traded or not resigned. He's an alpha on this team and letter or not he's a big part of it. He's one of those personalities in a room that is larger than life and that helps define your team.
Whether he's taking Marners head off, pile driving Gallagher, throttling another Leaf, or staring down Wheeler his take no prisoners attitude says "no shit happening while I'm on watch"
Anybody that has played the game knows that even pregame both teams fairly recognize who the cops are, and who is likely the alpha. Usually doesnt even take a fight to establish that, just a known. Nobody even wants to fight Darnell at this point. He backs people right off. But when that happens its more than just a standoff, its a surrender. When that occurs on ice its a bigger thing than Nurse bolting up and intimidating Blake Wheeler. Everybody on both benches sees it, knows it, knows what it is.
Make no mistake Darnell is taking a ton of liberties this season, almost every game, and no opponent is dealing with him or even wants to. Think about it. He put Gallaghers head into the boards, and no Hab was willing or able to take him on. Gallagher would be one of the most protected players on a club and nothing happened.
Darnell is owning alpha right now. Knocking it out of the ballpark. He's probably the gunslinger in the whole Northern conference. Nobody wants high noon with him.