‘When I was playing, that word was never used. It was always about the right way. You have to live the right way and come to the rink the right way, and I guess today, that’s culture.’ — Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau.
Culture is a relentless will and it must come from within. It’s one reason why the Vancouver Canucks are coming off a 3-1 road trip and remain in what has often seemed like a long-shot pursuit of a National Hockey League wild-card playoff position.
Culture played a role, but it’s not something that Bruce Boudreau is going to bang a drum about.
The Canucks’ well-travelled bench boss is cut from an old-school cloth. To him, it’s simple. Do whatever you need during the day to ensure you’ll be ready to play at night. The coach can provide systems, match lines and juggle alignments, but the want rests with the players.
“Oh, don’t ask me that question,” said Boudreau. “I hear it all the time. I refer to it as playing the right way and doing the right things. I don’t know if that’s culture or what. When I was playing, that word was never used. It was always…
