For many NHL players, especially the younger generation, it's a constant struggle to perform at their best even when they're not feeling physically or mentally sharp. Take Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic for example, who admits that his energy levels can fluctuate from game to game. He'll have sluggish warmups followed by energetic games, and vice versa.
This phenomenon is common among players, with factors such as injury, illness, fatigue, and travel contributing to a player's lack of performance. The key for young players like Oliver Moore, who made his 24th appearance this week, lies in learning how to surf these waves and still play consistently despite fluctuations in energy and mental sharpness.
Coach Jeff Blashill has emphasized the importance of being committed to the details of the game and doing the little things right. "It's OK going out there and having nothing happen," he says. "Just play efficient hockey." This approach can be particularly helpful for young players who want to avoid making mistakes when they're not feeling their best.
For example, if a player doesn't have an advantageous position on the ice, they should focus on playing defensive hockey rather than trying to make something happen. It's about being smart and efficient with their play, rather than forcing things that might not work out.
Veteran defenseman Connor Murphy has also emphasized the importance of adapting to one's physical state. "You don't need to be at your best every game," he says. "You can win with your 'B game.'" This mindset is crucial for players who are still learning and developing their skills.
As the Blackhawks prepare for their second back-to-back set, this advice will be put to the test. With nearly half the roster having fewer than 100 games of NHL experience, it's a challenge that many young players face every week. But with the right mindset and approach, they can learn to navigate these fluctuations in energy and mental sharpness and still perform at a high level.
This phenomenon is common among players, with factors such as injury, illness, fatigue, and travel contributing to a player's lack of performance. The key for young players like Oliver Moore, who made his 24th appearance this week, lies in learning how to surf these waves and still play consistently despite fluctuations in energy and mental sharpness.
Coach Jeff Blashill has emphasized the importance of being committed to the details of the game and doing the little things right. "It's OK going out there and having nothing happen," he says. "Just play efficient hockey." This approach can be particularly helpful for young players who want to avoid making mistakes when they're not feeling their best.
For example, if a player doesn't have an advantageous position on the ice, they should focus on playing defensive hockey rather than trying to make something happen. It's about being smart and efficient with their play, rather than forcing things that might not work out.
Veteran defenseman Connor Murphy has also emphasized the importance of adapting to one's physical state. "You don't need to be at your best every game," he says. "You can win with your 'B game.'" This mindset is crucial for players who are still learning and developing their skills.
As the Blackhawks prepare for their second back-to-back set, this advice will be put to the test. With nearly half the roster having fewer than 100 games of NHL experience, it's a challenge that many young players face every week. But with the right mindset and approach, they can learn to navigate these fluctuations in energy and mental sharpness and still perform at a high level.
. I mean, have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to be working out? It's like your body just decides to shut down on you 
. Anyway, I think the key is to focus on the little things and being efficient with your play. Don't try to force it when you're not feeling sharp, just chill and play smart hockey 
️. And yeah, it's all about adapting to your physical state, whether that means playing more defensively or taking a step back when you need to 
. I mean, it's not about being at 100% every time, it's about knowing when to pick up the pace and when to dial it back 
. It's all about finding that balance and trusting yourself to make the right plays under pressure 
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. It's not rocket science. The young players need to learn how to manage their mental and physical state, no joke 
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. But then they have a game where everything clicks, and suddenly they're like, "Oh, I'm a superstar!" 
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. And for goodness' sake, take care of yourself! Get enough rest, eat right, stay hydrated... it's not that hard 
. It's like, come on, guys! You can't just wing it every single time 
. Get your act together, and maybe you'll start winning more games 
.
. I love that veteran players are passing on these lessons, it's like they're saying "hey kid, I've been there" 
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, but i guess that's what they mean by "b game"... it's all about adapting and learning from your mistakes... and yeah, fatigue is a big one too 
, been there myself 
. Give me a break, let them play 7 games in a row or something! 
. They need to find that balance between being smart and efficient on the ice, while still putting in the effort to win. It's not easy, but with the right mindset (and some tough love from their coaches 
. Its not just about being physically sharp on the ice, its also about being smart with the little things like defense and positioning 
. And yeah, youre right, it is okay to have an off game every now and then, you can still win with your 'B game' 
. But for all these young players comin up, its a big challenge, especially when they dont have as much experience 
.
. I mean, its def easy 2 get frustrated when ur body & mind r not 100% but like what coach blashill said, its all about playin efficient hockey & doin the little things right 
. Don't try 2 be a hero when ur not feelin it, just focus on the basics & u'll b surprised at how much u can still achieve 
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. what matters is how you respond to those moments. do you try to force things that don't work out? or do you take a step back and focus on being smart and efficient? 
for me, it's about embracing the ups and downs of life and learning to navigate them without getting too high or too low 
. if you're not feeling sharp, your 'b game' can still get the job done 
.
i feel like that happens to me all the time when im watching Blackhawks games, i just wanna jump onto the ice and play with them!!!