How things might have gone had the Detroit Red Wings pushed back in late February has been lost to the unknown, but it is a situation the team wants to address.
Being tough, as a team, doesn't only mean fighting, but it is vital to letting opponents know they can't resort to cheap shots. Dylan Larkin acknowledged the Wings' lack of toughness Tuesday, parsing the difference between pushing back and hitting back.
"There were plenty of times this year I felt guys took liberties," Larkin said in his end-of-season availability with reporters. "Whoever it was, whatever their role on the other team — their tough guys — they kind of had free nights.