Learning the right way: the unlikely hero

So why do non-household names become the talk during the playoffs?

Each year, legends are born during the Stanley Cup Finals as players leave lasting impressions with their performances on hockey's grandest stage.  

Though the vast majority of the post-season heroes end up being the usual suspects like superstars, captains or franchise goaltenders, there have been exceptions to that rule.

In recent NHL history, a number of players previously regarded as grinders, role players or journeymen who have seized the moment, have become household names due to their game-winning goals, show-stopping saves or timely sacrifices that helped keep their teams' postseason aspirations alive.  

These are players who have learned to play the game the right way. Now, here is a question: what is the right way?

The right way is not cheating. When you play the right way, you’re in position defensively to make the proper play. You’re not cheating to go on to the offense. Some guys are cheating for the breakaway. These players are not strong getting pucks out and it hurts the team defensively. The right way means you’re in a position to defend when you don’t have the puck.

Every team doesn’t have it, which means as a coach, you have to be responsible all the time, and that takes discipline and great learning. It’s playing a 200-foot game and taking care of the puck. When you're up by a goal, get the puck deep and don’t turn it over. If you can coach your player to play that way, then it becomes likely that in nine out of 10 times, you’re going to win a lot of games and it doesn’t matter what lineup you have. Talk about a heroic play. That is coaching and learning the right way. 

- CoachThem
#CoachThisWay

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