Where is this team heading?

As the title suggests I want to look at the direction this team is heading in. Other than the apparent downward spiral of injuries... what is the excuse for the way they have been playing? I have looked at as many factors as I can imagine, and the only thing that sticks out for me is that the team has lost something. Confidence is one thing for sure. ALL the players seem to be honestly lacking in any confidence. Another that I want to touch on is the "head for the game"

A little tricky to define, but a factor non the less. One incindent that caught my eye recently was Hemsky getting creamed into the boards and losing the rest of the year. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! Lets be completely clear, it WAS Hemsky's fault. Dont they teach you from midget up, that it is up to you to protect yourself? Screw this idea that you can take advantage of the rules and make yourself vulnerable to draw the penalty. And not only is this Hemsky's fault, but Quinns aswell. Oh I'm well aware he wasnt out there making the hit, but he sure the hell hasnt been teaching his boys about protecting themselves either. How many injuries have there been this year? How many man games lost to injury? Thanks to James Mirtle we have THAT answer. Now I ask....how many of those injuries could have been prevented if they were taught a system that allowed them to protect themselves better? Speed and puck pressure is a great way to play the game, I am well aware. I have been openly glowing about the new system put in place. BUT there has to be a balance. There are too many peewee players on this team to be reckless in the way they approach the game.
Quinn is getting no help from Tambellini in regards to bigger stronger players. So it is up to him to create a system that reflects the players he has to work with. That "speed and puck pressure" style suits them, but it can also be a detriment if those same players are putting themselves in a position that makes them vulnerable. I think instead of "team meetings" Quinn should be working on the aspect of "head games" And dont just tell them "keep your head up" Start showing them HOW to protect themselves against the bigger stronger players of todays game.

Stauffer made a comment a season or two ago, in regards to Smid getting run by Boogard. He said that "the next time the "boogyman" comes a runnin, you put your stick out and hit him right in the teeth." Yup, there would be a penalty, probably a suspension and everyone would think there may be a bit of a "dirty" streak in you. But by god they would think twice about making a run at you.

This team needs an edge, NOT another enforcer. It needs a way to protect itself from being run,and they need to develope a strategy for playing the puck while being safe. Now I dont suggest they go out and start running others or being flat out dirty. But I AM saying that they need to find that balance. They need to send a message that they arent going to be pushed around, and they HAVE to play with that swagger. Penner is a prime example. This year he has shown that his big frame isnt going to be pushed off the puck easy. The change from last year (since he didnt exactly put MORE weight on) was attitude. There is an air of entitlement when he is out there. The rest of the team needs to take notice and start stepping it up. No more backing off whenever they are touched, and start playing with the mind to protecting themselves.

The skill is strong, but the mind is weak. Time to change that Quinn....it's all on you!