#team-toughness

#team-toughness

"The toughest team," Smart said, "sets the rules." "I've been in this league for 12 years and that's always been the motto," the former NBA defensive player of the year continued. "You see it. The team that comes out more physical, the momentum is kind of going their way, and that's how it is. We want to be the toughest team from start to the end."

MIAMI GARDENS - Sometimes people set a tone without saying a word. Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks is one of those people. If I was a Dolphins fan, I'd want the entire team to share Brooks' mental and physical toughness. Those characteristics, which become apparent just by watching Brooks, are crucial to helping the Dolphins achieve what should be their minimal goal.

"But I've always said that the one thing that's never really changed is you need to be tough. I think it's still in the game," said Sturm in a conversation with the Herald. "If you look at the Panthers, the fourth line did a really good job of having guys who can not just fight but can also play the game. That's the difference. The toughness and the grit that we brought to this team, they can do both."

"I'm really excited," Reaves said, via NHL.com. "Everybody is asking me, 'Oh, I can't believe you're going to San Jose.' I go where anybody wants me and anybody who wants me I'm excited to do whatever I can for that team and that organization, so I'm excited to get down there."