Darryl Sutter earned a reputation as a tough, hyper-competitive and high work ethic NHL player who played at a high level despite small size and absence of natural hockey ability, a reputation that applied to the six Sutter brothers. Sutter mastered a hardnose type of hockey to slow down faster and more skilled players while still providing scoring capability evidenced by his 40 goal first NHL season. Sutter's hard nose and gritty style expected players to outwork their opponents and play ""old-fashioned playoff hockey"" throughout the season. The Sutter brothers owed their tough and competitive nature to childhood competitions and fights which were a common around their childhood home. Describing himself and his brothers, Sutter has admitted ""None of us has that much ability...we just relied on effort"".