BOSTON — Pro sports are an increasingly player-driven culture, and it makes sense. Players are clearly the most valuable asset of any organization, a fact that’s proven every payday.
But how much player empowerment is too much? The Bruins’ leadership group was as solid as you’ll ever find. But the aftermath of their stunning early flame-out makes one wonder if a little more tough love from above at the right moments would have meant they’d still be playing right now.
For the B’s, the player-driven ethos worked as well as it could possibly work. Until it didn’t. During the regular season, the B’s won a record 65 games and looked unbeatable. But there is no such thing, especially in he NHL. The B’s gagged up a 3-1 series lead to the Florida Panthers and lost in the first round.
