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The euphoria of a hockey hot streak Print
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Written by Justin Bourne   
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 16:45
Justin BourneCatching fire on the rink is, not to overstate it, roughly the greatest feeling in the world. You can’t explain it.

Jonathan Toews probably couldn't explain it this week, just like Joe Pavelski the week before.

You’re in some crazy zone you’re not aware you’re even in, the same as when you go cold, only with more awesome and less agony. 

It usually starts with a lucky goal – a seeing-eye shot from the 3-point line that finds its way to the back of the twine, or maybe something bounces in off your pants. Either way, it starts the good vibes flowing. And once you start playing with house money, it’s pretty easy to have success.

When you’ve already done something so obviously effective in a game as score, you feel a little free to make a mistake, like you don’t have to prove yourself. So you stop forcing it, and things start to come naturally.

Your release is quicker and your stride becomes more self-assured, because why hesitate? When things are going well, you know you’ve obviously been doing the right things.

Even relationships start going better. With your coach, the all-too-common “did he think I played well last game?” second guess is absent, replaced by the rare feeling of peer – like the two of you are working together to beat an opponent. You’re suddenly on good terms with all your teammates, because your mood is noticeably brighter. You joke and laugh like you’re at a house party in high school. Nice face, buddy! HA! This guy knows what I’m talkin’ about.

Your confidence is never higher than when you hop on the ice for the warm-up after a couple of games of pouring pucks in the net. You handle the puck like you own it, you shoot without doubt, and maybe, just for good measure, you chew about nine pieces of Double Bubble with your mouth open.

All of a sudden you notice that reporters aren’t being jerks like they seemed to be in the past. They’re so friendly and positive, like an old war pal meeting up at a dive bar for a whiskey or two. Dan! Get over here! The world is your oyster.

But while you don’t feel it happening, confidence can leak to cockiness.

And just then – just when you’re at the top of your game, something ridiculous happens. You half-flub a shot on a wide open net and the goalie makes a Dominik Hasek-style rollover save, maybe at a crucial point at the game.

Wait…. I’m not perfect?

Nobody says anything when you get back to the bench, but they’re looking at you. We needed that goal, all-star.

And as quickly as it started, it stops like a DJ ripping the needle off a record. 

Welcome to Slumpville, buddy. Population: you.

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Last Updated on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 18:16