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“I think we’ve got to find a way to be more emotionally engaged. We’ve got to be a harder team to play against.

“That can mean a lot of different things, but we’ve got to define the identity of our team.”

Right now, the team is known for its fragility – for crumpling in the most critical games of the season.

When it mattered most, there were too many passengers and not enough soldiers.

“We have to dig in by going back to those instances – those five or 10 critical games — and ask why we lost,” Treliving said.

“When it matters the most, who rises and who doesn’t? I do believe it’s at the heart of correcting it. That’s how we can start to figure out how to fix it, because you can also make mistakes by saying ‘everything is wrong and let’s stick a stick of dynamite in this.’

“The first instinct is ‘we have to blow the whole thing up.’ I don’t think we’re in that mode.”

Although still searching for answers as he formulates his summer plan, Treliving takes issue with assertions his club lacks character.

“I know it has become a story, but I don’t question our character,” said Treliving.

“I’m around these guys every day, and I don’t buy into that. This team was praised for its character a year ago when we made the playoffs, and, all of a sudden, we lost that?

Photo by Al Charest / Postmedia

“Probably the biggest addition we made is Travis (Hamonic), and I’d love to debate anyone on his character.

“I don’t question whether these guys want to win. Everyone wants to win.”

He fully admits changes will be made.