With almost everything in life, being well prepared almost guarantees yourself some measure of success. Nothing is promised, of course, but if you have to give a presentation, or you’re at a dealership buying a new car, or you’re about to take a big test, being well-prepared can damn-near feel like cheating. Everything just comes easier.



The problem is, hockey doesn’t play fair. You can train all summer, work all season, watch video, lift weights, put in extra time on the ice, and some nights the game just isn’t going to deal you a fair hand. It scoffs at you while you turn over your two-seven off-suit. That’s partially why I’m more prone to excuse great hockey players who’ve “never won the big one” over, say, basketball players – so much of the outcome on a nightly basis in the NHL is beyond any one individual’s control. A run of poor luck can eliminate a player and team before they’ve had a fair shot to...