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Managing the Holidays: A Challenge for NHL Coaches and Players
As the holiday season approaches, NHL head coaches and players face a unique set of challenges in managing their time and maintaining their focus on the game. In the midst of social events, family gatherings, and a change in the standard weekly schedule, it’s easy to get disrupted and lose momentum. However, one AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, has found a way to navigate this tricky period and come out on top.
In the AHL, the Collective Bargaining Agreement requires a three-day break, which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how it’s structured. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Kirk McDonald decided to forego an evening practice on December 26 and instead reconvened the team for practice on the morning of December 27. This decision allowed players to have some downtime with family and friends and enjoy some well-deserved rest.
When the team reconvened for practice, they were ready to work and eager to get back to business. They won their rematch with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 3-2 and followed it up with an overtime loss to the Hershey Bears. Despite the challenges posed by the holiday schedule and roster shortfalls on defense, the Penguins remained focused and played some great hockey.
This is not the first time the Penguins have faced adversity, and their ability to adapt and overcome is a testament to their resilience. Throughout the season, the team has been hampered by recalls and injuries, but they’ve continued to play hard and develop a strong team culture.
The Penguins’ success can be attributed to their head coach, Kirk McDonald, who arrived in Wilkes-Barre this offseason. With his guidance, the team has developed a strong identity and a winning mentality. The players themselves have also played a crucial role in the team’s success, particularly their rookies who have been making an impact in recent games.
As the Penguins look ahead to the new year, they’ll face a challenging schedule that includes games against Charlotte and Hartford, as well as a four-game stretch in Toronto, Belleville, and Laval. With five points behind first-place Hershey and only five games remaining for the Bears, the Penguins have an opportunity to make up ground and climb the standings.
Managing the holidays is just one aspect of the challenges faced by NHL coaches and players. The near-constant flux of players being recalled or injured, combined with the mental and physical demands of playing in the league, can be overwhelming. However, it’s exactly this type of adversity that can bring out the best in a team, forcing them to dig deep and find a way to overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do NHL coaches and players manage the holiday season?
NHL coaches and players face a unique set of challenges during the holiday season, including social events, family gatherings, and changes to the standard weekly schedule.
2. What is the Collective Bargaining Agreement requirement for NHL team practice schedules?
The Collective Bargaining Agreement requires a three-day break, which can impact the scheduling of team practices and games.
3. How do NHL teams balance rest and practice during the holiday season?
NHL teams must balance rest and practice during the holiday season, taking into account the mental and physical demands of playing in the league.
4. What is the key to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ success?
The key to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ success is their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, as well as their strong team culture and winning mentality.
Conclusion:
Managing the holidays is a challenging task for NHL coaches and players. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have shown that with the right mindset and a strong team culture, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. As the team looks ahead to the new year, they’ll face a slate of challenging games, but with their resilience and determination, there’s no doubt they’ll be ready to take on whatever comes their way.
