I meant last year as in 2019, and yea, that team would not have got that far, but they stood up for each other and could match nastiness with nastiness. I still remember the goal from center ice, the blues penalty box overflowing, and Nolan being surrounded by blues and he managed to punch each one in turn.
Just that is what current version is missing, (I hate to say it) general toughness. We do have a few that can hit and grind, and it is hard to find players that could do that with out being defensive liabilities or offensive black holes. I just did not see the same level of clearing the crease, and more importantly, having each others back. (not that you want stupid penalties, at least not in the playoffs)
Anyway, if headshots and the like are not called and the ref's do "game managment" then maybe its better to be initiating vs complaining.