The Last Gasp?

We played our second playoff game yesterday and came up short again. Although this time we managed to come from behind for a tie.

This just gives us the opportunity to play another day. The only thing standing in our way - a win in regulation then an overtime period and then the dreaded shoot-out should it remain tied.

This is a tall order for any team.

Did I mention previously that we can never seem to do things the easy way this season. Between absences, sickness and other various circumstances, I can't help but feel the burn out wall is rapidly approaching.

This is why we took a break at Christmas to not get overwhelmed and sick of the game by February.

In the female game it is a constant struggle to keep the players focused and on target. Some seem to get sidetracked so easily. Add to the equation that each player has their own distinct personality and ideas.

Normally you welcome the creativity and individuality but at a certain time during the campaign you need a semblance of single mindedness - a meeting of the minds and all players striving for the same goal.

I asked a question early on in the season - Who are we?

A seemingly simple question that should be easily answered by any team that is focused on a common goal. This team seems to have struggled to find their identity.

Early on we were a team that relied on our skill and speed to overcome some shortcomings. That worked for a while - then we had to learn that talent is not enough and we were being outworked by other teams who had less skill than we do.

I guess the key would be to find the balance between the two.

I came up with - Take nothing for granted - leave nothing to chance.

Meaning that we have to respect our opponent and never stop working because no one can rely on luck to achieve anything - even though luck may from time to time play a large role in the success of teams. It is true - good teams manufacture their own luck through hard work and preparation.

Any coach likes to think their team is prepared and then with fingers and toes crossed, enter each competition - then the individual takes over. The fragility of the weakest link can be devastating if they are not supported by all. It is an important factor for each member.

Awareness plays a huge part - being aware that a certain player may do this at a certain time or may freeze at certain moments.

Having said all of that - this season on most nights I cannot fault the effort given but there are those few examples of too many taking a game off at the same time. This what has haunted us and makes us as a staff unsure which team will show up.

Expectation can turn to frustration so easily in sport - if they are unrealistic. That's why this team is such an enigma, we should be better than we are and yet is that a rose colored view of our overall talent base?

I'd like to think the success we have had and the examples of this team playing at their best are not the exception but rather the rule. However... the mind works in mysterious ways.

I may have more to say as things become clearer after the next game. We still have a lot of hockey to play - as much as I tell the players we have to be focused on the goal - the same can be said of me. Shake off the peripheral distractions and focus on each game.

We need all hands on deck more than ever. Going to have to get bigger shoes to accommodate the superstition, my fingers can be behind my back or in my pockets.

Onward and upward?