It's just how my body handles the situation, which is something I've tried to embrace. But that hasn't stopped me from trying to improve the mental aspect of my game. For the past five years, I've benefitted from my work with a sports psychologist.
When I made the decision to see a psychologist, I was at a point in my life where I felt that there was more I had to give. I was doing everything I could to improve physically. I was working out off the ice, doing goalie drills, making sure I was sharp from a technical standpoint. But I knew there was another side to the game.
I think, as an athlete, you're very protective of your mental state and your confidence. I don't think a lot of guys want to seek help because they think it's a weakness. Five years ago, I got to a place where I matured and saw it as an advantage. I wanted that extra edge, anything to put me over the top.
I put my mental pride to the side, gained some confidence, and made my decision.
The goalie coach I was working with at the time hooked me up with Dr. Saul Miller, a psychiatrist based in Vancouver. He gave me the foundation for my approach to games. What's helped me the most has to do with breathing and visualization, and it usually begins the night before. I'll lay in bed and visualize situations - how I want to play them, where I want to be, the confidence I want to feel.
It continues the next day. We'll watch video and run a penalty kill before the game, and I'll work to visualize myself in situations against certain players. Here's a recent example: On the power play, James van Riemsdyk likes to be beside the net and does a between-the-legs, short-side, top-shelf type of shot. Seeing myself in a situation like that before it happens it how I get my mind ready.
The same goes for a shooter who gets a lot of breakaways, like Michael Grabner - I'll visualize the release on his shot. Even now, I always look for whatever edge I can find. I'm currently working with a vision coach, for example, performing tracking drills and things of that nature.
At the end of the day, so much of our game is mental. Even if you do come off as calm and collected, never be afraid to set your mental pride aside and gain that extra edge.
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