In the wonderful game we call hockey, there are a plethora of anomalies that can change the outcome of a game. Last nights’ game in New Jersey, showed the impact of having the Dad’s on tour.
You may be thinking, seriously these are your thoughts on last nights’ game? They absolutely are and here is why!
Effort
The key word that Sens fans up and down the country have been screaming for in recent losses. The system works, there is no doubt about that. However, for the system to work, effort is required in spades.
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The Ottawa Senators showed the combination of the system and effort in a frantic, highly paced matchup. New Jersey did not for one second just roll over and take a beating, they were submitted into it by the Sens.
New Jersey outshot Ottawa 8-7 in the first, and if it wasn’t for Mike Condon they could have easily been trailing. The same can be said of Cory Schneider, but it’s to be expected from one of the leagues top netminders.
Tenacity
After an exhausting opening frame, you wouldn’t be surprised to see a fatigued Sens return to the ice at Prudential Center, given how tired they’ve looked in recent games. On the contrary, returning to the ice reinvigorated and raring to go.
In the following two frames they would outshoot the Devils 28-13, heavily rewarded for their continued tenacity. Guy Boucher is adamant that his teams will work hard and abide by the system. After last night (and multiple other nights) he most certainly is right.
Dad’s Effect
Thanks for the recap of the game, but you mentioned something about the Dad’s having an effect?
Oh yeah, do you remember when you were a child and your parent would come and watch you play sport (perform, sing, dance etc.). Whenever they were in the building, you would always give an extra 20 percent. This theory of psychology never changes, you always want to make your parents proud.
You could see it in the players last night, every check was finished, fore-checking extremely hard. I genuinely believe that they wouldn’t of last a few of those last games had all the Dad’s been there.
Take a look at Auston Matthews when he made his debut at the Canadian Tire Centre. Both parents eagerly watching in the crowd. It wasn’t just because it was his NHL debut, but the fact both of his parents were in attendance.
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The effect of a Dad’s trip may not seem significant to a fan, but these players are still human after all. Just like when you pushed your game when Mum and Dad watched your junior game, they did too. They also still push when the parents are in attendance even though there are 20,000 other people in the building.