Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Rules for the Colorado Avalanche
Rule #1: Make your own luck.
Pick up the puck and keep shooting it. As defenseman Erik Johnson points out, sometimes you’ll get a lucky bounce, and your confidence will skyrocket.
Rule #2: Keep it simple.
Fancy plays are fun and make the highlight reel. However, when the puck isn’t going in, go back to basic hockey. (Unless you’re Matt Duchene — his patented behind-the-net spin-o-rama is actually working.)
Rule #3: Trust your goalie.
But don’t rely on him. Whether it’s Calvin Pickard or Semyon Varlamov in net, asking him to face 35, 40, 50 shots every game is ridiculous.
Rule #4: Trust your instincts.
And rely on them. You’ve been playing hockey since you could walk. You know every aspect of the game, your game. Trust those instincts.
Rule #5: Never apologize.
Hockey fans get a little passionate sometimes. When the game doesn’t go our way, we can even get a little critical. Don’t apologize for playing Colorado Avalanche hockey, even when you’re breaking the rules. Put the work in, and play your game.
We, the Avs Nation, still believe in you.