I think setting an example doesn't have to be about a leader showing the way, it can also be an infectious energy or rhythm from the team. Last year we sent out Komarov who would crash and bang, play with intensity and physicality. Next shift would be Lupul and Kadri, the latter especially is a player who seem to feed on that kind of energy, from being the next guy in after such a shift. Then we had our fourth line that used and abused the emotions created by what the previous lines had provoked. The only stand out was the Kessel line, but that's fine when it's one out of four.
Today our first shift starts with the Kessel line, a passive line waiting for a moment to strike with their skill. We follow up with guys like Raymond, who creates more of the same. On comes a much more passive Kadri and Lupul, who continue in the same track. And our fourth line comes on with nothing to work with. They can't agitate, because nobody cares about them. They can't abuse peoples emotions, because nobody is even upset.
That's the difference between last year and now IMO. The big drop off. There is absolutely a mentality and culture change needed, but it can come from deep too. Move Lupul and Raymond, build a second and third line that can bring intensity, physicality and impose their will on games, and we will automatically have a more effective fourth line and a first line that can actually break patterns, rather than just be more of the same.
