The mental aspect of sports is something that isn’t discussed very much. We know the physical strength it takes, but it takes mental strength as well. The ability to push yourself and motivate yourself to keep going and getting better can be difficult, especially when you are already playing at high level.
John Tortorella addressed the strides the Blue Jackets have made in that area.
“We’ve grown, I'm anxious to see as we start this year has it gone stagnant. Do we think it’s enough, and I don’t have that answer. As we go through the first month or two of the year I may be able to answer that.”
The Blue Jackets players have been saying all the right things this pre-season. Nick Foligno and Cam Atkinson have each talked publicly on what’s motivating them this season. As veterans and leaders on the team, they need to find ways to keep that motivation and translate it to some of the younger players. These are the players who may find complacency given their success.
Tortorella has liked what he’s seen from the Jackets so far.
“I think we have gone through a really good process as a team in the mental part of the game, but that’s ever changing that’s evolving all the time. There’s my question mark, I have a huge question mark, are guys satisfied with the growth? We could talk growth of the team, power play, it starts there, we will see what happens.”
This is not addressed at anyone, but the younger players should take note. Not the rookies or the players fighting for a spot on the team, but the young players who have secured spots on the team: players like Josh Anderson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Markus Nutivaara.
Anderson just scored a career high 19 goals and 30 points, Bjorkstrand was finally able to get a full time roll and scored 40 points, Dubois burst on the scene with 48 points, and Nutivaara had mini-breakout with 23 points.
Each player could be content with what they have done and continue to do that and have nice long NHL careers. However, if they want to help take this team to new heights, they need to continue to push and strive for more.
This is where the mental side of the game comes heavily into play.
The mental grind to do one more set, one more drill, to have the self-awareness to be able to say "here are my weaknesses and where I need to improve," can be difficult. Not many of us can handle that. Dubois has handled it very well. He spent a ton of time in the gym this summer and looks poised for a big year.
It’s not to the same level, but Bjorkstrand looks ready to build on his 40-point season with a strong showing in the preseason. He could have easily just coasted for these games, knowing his spot was secure, but he went out and scored four goals in four games, leading the Jackets with 12 shots and 25 shot attempts. Similarly, Nutivaara has two points in four games, and he’s lead all Jackets defensemen with nine shots.
Anderson knew he had some things to work on this summer, notably holding on the puck longer and being more creative. The preseason is where you can work on those things, hoping they can translate to the regular season.
With the season getting underway Thursday in Detroit, Tortorella will have his answer sooner rather than later.
