Mark Messier criticizes players who struggle under pressure
Photo credit: NBC sports
Mark Messier, the legendary six-time Stanley Cup champion, has challenged the narrative surrounding the challenges of playing in Canadian NHL markets.
Often cited as intense and pressure-packed, Messier argues that such environments can be catalysts for team success rather than detractors.
In a recent interview on the Spittin Chiclets podcast, Messier reflected on his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers, emphasizing how the fervent fan base and high expectations fueled the team's drive to achieve greatness.
"Because of that there was this kind of really deep feeling that 'We gotta make this happen somehow' we're right on the brink of winning something special not only to us but also to the people here," said Messier on the Spittin Chiclets podcast.
Messier believes that the fans' passionate support and the external pressure played crucial roles in pushing the Oilers to five Stanley Cup championships during his tenure. He contends that harnessing this energy and expectation can significantly benefit a team's performance on the ice.
"Because of the 5 years that we went on this journey together, and I always say that we went on the journey together and it is true, as a team and organization if you're not walking that line together with your fan base and using that energy that they can provide, the expectations, the pressure, I think that can really benefit a team," admitted Messier.
Addressing concerns about fan interactions outside of the arena, Messier sees it as additional motivation rather than a burden.
"It matters if you win, it matters if you don't play good, you hear about it if you don't play good," he added.
However, Messier acknowledges that not all players thrive under such intense scrutiny and suggests that these markets may not be suitable for everyone.
"If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen," said the six time Stanley Cup winner.
He further elaborated that handling the pressure of playing in these high-expectation markets is a mark of elite players who can rise to the challenge of achieving greatness.
"That's just part of professional hockey when you're trying to get to the elite level and not everybody is made for it. A lot of players can play in the league but not everyone can play on a team that is expected to win."
Mark Messier's perspective offers a compelling counterpoint to the notion that Canadian NHL markets pose challenges that detract from player performance. Instead, he argues that embracing fan passion and leveraging external pressure can propel teams to achieve their ultimate goals.
Source: Hockey Feed
Mark Messier calls out players who can't handle pressure.
Mark Messier calls out players who can't handle pressure.
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13 JUILLET | 176 ANSWERS Mark Messier criticizes players who struggle under pressure Do you agree with Mark Messier's perspective and comments? | ||
| Yes | 112 | 63.6 % |
| No | 64 | 36.4 % |
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