Desperation there for some teams, not for others this time of the NHL season

At this time every year we start to see some surprising scores in the NHL. Top teams losing to bottom teams that are out of it and playing for roster positions next season. This is what Ottawa has been doing the last several weeks to Philly and New Jersey. Ottawa could possibly be the reason the Devils miss the playoffs.

You also witness teams that are fighting for the 8th spot getting hot. Edmonton rode a late season push all way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006. Montreal and Philadelphia got in to the playoffs late last season and used the desperation they were playing with to upset Washington, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Boston to make the Conference Finals. Those top teams except for Boston didn't seem to be playing with the same confidence as they were during the season.

So for the top teams in each conference that are guaranteed to be in the playoffs they have overcome the issue that other top teams have faced - ramping up the intensity once the playoffs start. It is human nature to back off when the games aren't as meaningful.

The problem is that getting the #1 seed only benefits you 1 extra home game in the 1st round. And, if you lose Game 1 or 2 then the pressure is on. Philly, Vancouver, Detroit, Pittsburgh... must all find a way to consistently play an intense game, competing with desperation and being physical. The problem is that it's tough to just create desperation when the situation doesn't suggest it exists. Coach Laviolette of the Flyers was paraphrased by an announcer to say that "you can't make manufacture desperation". I would tend to agree with that statement. It's hard to convince yourself that a game is very important when maybe it won't change your position in the standings or the fact you will make the playoffs. Plus, what's the real advantage in having home ice anyway? It's not like the NBA. Last season was further evidence that you just have to make the dance and then see what happens.

I believe you don't try to manufacture desperation, instead you focus on pride in performance. Focus on execution  - simple, smart plays like getting the puck on net and continuing those habits so when the desperation does kick in late in the season or the playoffs the intensity doesn't lead to inconsistent, erratic, or nervous performances. This of course is where the leaders in the locker room have to keep the standard of execution at a high level and constantly remind and stay on their team to focus.

So, the task in front of the top teams in each conference is to maintain or regain a high level of intensity going into the playoffs. Because they know that the teams that barely make the playoffs will probably have a lot of momentum and continue to play with desperation.

Sharks-Canucks maybe best game of the year

Watching the Sharks and Canucks, likely the most exciting game of the year. Trading goals with under 2 minutes left. Sedin just scored on a power play to retake the lead. Mitchell's goal to tie for the Sharks was a beauty. Both teams are showing great resiliency and toughness - Sharks are pressuring even though they just gave up the lead (and the penalty call was questionable). Sweet tying goal Clowe from Thornton. Great OT. Disappointing it went to a shootout, rather see it end 4-on-4.

Big win for the Canucks just to reassert their dominance over the Western Conference. San Jose had won 9 out of 10.

NHL Gamecenter www.nhl.com/ice/icetracker.htm?id=2010021014

Hockey Edge NHL playoff blog Launching April 6

Welcome to the The Hockey Edge NHL blog. The purpose of this blog is to examine some of the current trends in the NHL. Being a sport psychology consultant, coaching director at the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State, and a former hockey director and coach, I plan to focus on the mental game of hockey and why teams are performing or not performing under pressure.

Tonight I'll be particularly interested in the Boston-Montreal rematch after the 8-6 Bruins bloodbath win. I believe there were 13 fighting majors in that game and the goalies also danced. Should be interesting. Will personal revenge rule over discipline. This is obviously a big game for both teams so I would expect cooler heads to prevail.

Also, will be following the Flyers to see if they can end their skid. There was an awesome article written by Dave Lozo at http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=555217 on Pronger's and Richard's reactions to why they are struggling. As good as they are there will be times when they aren't focused or fall into some bad habits. Happens to every great team I can think of; that is why it is so rare that a team accumulates more than 115 points. Tough to keep the focus over an 82 game schedule.

I will begin blogging about the NHL playoffs on April 6. Until then I will be posting information on the mental game of hockey including the Hockey Edge Newsletter.