Member of the Blues fires back after head coach calls out team

It's never fun when a head coach calls out a professional sports team. It may become even more dire when a player fires back at the head coach. That's exactly what we're getting right now with the St. Louis Blues.

Following a 3-2 overtime loss to Vancouver Thursday night, Blues coach Craig Berube let it fly to reporters, slagging his own team for a lack of passion.

"Our best players don't play with any passion, no emotion and no inspiration at all," said a somber Berube in his post-game media availability. "They don't play inspired hockey. You cannot play in this league without emotion, grit, being inspired. They're getting paid lots of money and they're not doing the job. End of story."

One of the best players with the Blues, especially after the recent trades of Ryan O'Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko, is forward Robert Thomas. He's now made it clear he doesn't agree with that assessment at all.

Obviously, it's frustrating to hear that," Thomas told Carey & Randy on Friday. "I've been a part of this team for a long time, and what he said couldn't be further from the truth. I know everyone in that room cares, and it's frustrating to hear."

He declined to comment on it further, but was asked how he shows leadership in times like this, when the team is going through a very rough period.

"I think the way I found that leading is the best through example, and accountability," he responded. "And I know I've got big shoes to fill, and I know that that's part of the job. I take accountability for the way the season's gone and the way it's gone lately. I need to step up and be better on the ice and off the ice."

While Berube's comments come from frustration with the team's performance this season, it's also likely a way to try to get a spark that hopefully leads to a fire from his players. But, it can be a fine line to walk in the NHL. If a coach loses the respect of his players, the chances of getting it back are very slim.

Source: Sportsnet.ca

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