Rough Stretch for Eagles

[Greg_Di 1,022]

 

Greg Eagles has had a terrible last 3 games and has entered into a rough patch. We sat down with Eagles and talked to him about how goalies can bounce back from a bad game or even a bad stretch.

All goalies have been there before. The puck has shrunk down to the size of a golf ball and found its way past you one too many times. Your legs feel heavy, your pads stick to the ice every time you try to get up, you left your glove hand at home and it seems like nothing is going your way. The classic signs of a Bad Game.

 

Those thoughts mentioned above are what get goalies stuck in the Bad Game mentality. Always dwelling on past performances is never a good sign. Your goalie performance is usually linked to two factors: Preparedness and Mindset.

 

So lets talk about preparedness. How have you prepared for the game? Were you messing around in the locker room with your team mates, or were you taking it seriously and focusing on the task at hand? You don’t want to waver in how you prepare for the games. Keep things consistent.

 

If you are usually quiet and passive before a big game, and then all of a sudden decide you’re going to show up late and be the comedian before taking to the ice against the last-place team, chances are you’re going to get shelled. You need to stay consistent in all aspects of your game in order to play a consistent game. If you waver, your game will be like a roller coaster ride.

 

Preparedness also takes into consideration your team training sessions. Are you taking it seriously and listening to your coaches? Or are you just messing around and not giving it your all. If you don’t give it your all in practice then you will not be ready to give it your all when it comes to game time.

 

Now lets move on to the other huge factor and that is your mindset heading into the game. You have to be in a positive mindset heading into the game in order to avoid a bad game. Instead of saying to yourself things like, Don’t blow this or I’d better stop this breakaway, try injecting thoughts into your head like, I’ve got this! and This guy’s got nothing! Just changing your mindset can have huge impacts for your game. You already have the skills, don't get stuck in your head.

 

It’s tough to change your train of thought mid game, especially one in which you are being lit up. Regardless of what has happened up to that point in the game, as soon as you start thinking positively the saves will come. And when you make the saves, start gaining more confidence to bounce back. That is the cycle you need to get stuck in.

 

You can also influence the mindset of your team-mates. If you become negative and start saying negative things, this could affect the morale of all the players around you. Even if you are having a rough game, try to keep saying positive things to yourself and your team-mates around you.

Edited June 6, 2020 by Greg_Di

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I believe in you.. STILL!

 

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