Jim Hiller’s Biggest Message Is to Just Slow Down

I was listening to Jim Hiller talk before Tuesday’s game against Nashville, and I kept hearing the same message. Slow down. Not literally, of course. The Maple Leafs don’t want to slow down on the ice. But Hiller seems to understand that an NHL season can get pretty noisy if you let it.

Specifically, he seems to be thinking about his young rookie, Gavin McKenna. He’s played three games, doesn’t have a point and has already heard about it from the Toronto media. Hiller’s advice wasn’t complicated. Stay in the moment.

In Toronto, Staying in the Moment Is Tougher Than You Think

He admitted that’s easier said than done, especially when players spend so much time on their phones. Even if you’re trying to avoid the criticism, you probably bump into it. I thought that was a pretty honest answer.

Hiller said the organization talks about it, from Mats Sundin on down. Players talk about it with each other. And over time, he believes players get better at dealing with it. Even veterans are constantly asked to weigh in on young players’ “problems.”

That last part caught my attention. We tend to think NHL players either have the mental toughness or they don’t. But Hiller was talking about it as something players can actually learn. Just like any other part of being a professional.

Then There Is Nick Blankenburg and the Goalies

He’s waiting for his chance to get back in the lineup, and Hiller’s message was pretty much the same. Be patient. Blankenburg has been in this position before. Hiller said he’s been a good teammate, stayed calm and believes in himself. Eventually, he gets his opportunity.

And then there’s the goaltending. Anthony Stolarz was starting against Nashville because, as Hiller put it, “it was his turn.” The Maple Leafs have a plan for managing their goalies, with workloads, analytics, and all the extra work goaltenders do now.

Again, don’t panic. Don’t burn anybody out. Follow the plan. Stay in the moment.