Canada Sport News

Messier advises Oilers' Nurse on handling pressure and expectations
  • Analysis, Western Conference Final: Oilers vs. Stars
    •

    Messier advises Oilers’ Nurse on handling pressure and expectations

    The Stanley Cup Playoffs bring out the best and worst in players, but the ones who can handle the pressure tend to thrive.

    In the early part of the Edmonton Oilers‘ series against the Dallas Stars, defenceman Darnell Nurse was taking a lot of heat for his play throughout the playoffs.

    Through 16 games, the 29-year-old has three assists but is also a minus-12, leading to the criticism that he wasn’t playing up to his $9-million salary. As Adam Vingan from Sportlogiq wrote earlier in the week, “There is no hiding the fact that Nurse has been a liability defensively during the Oilers’ playoff run.”

    When it comes to handling the pressure, no one understands that more than former Oilers star and six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier.

    “You got to be able to handle the heat this time of year,” Messier said during an appearance on Real Kyper & Bourne on Sportsnet 590 the Fan. “You’re not going to play great for two months straight, you are going to make mistakes. You are going to hear the consequences of not performing at the level that people expect of you. That’s the nature of the beast and if you can’t handle that, you’re in the wrong business.”

    Nurse did bounce back with a strong performance in Game 4 finishing with an assist, 12 hits and three blocked shots, one of which led to the Oilers’ game-winning, short-handed goal in the second period.

    Messier believes that the best way for Nurse to overcome the criticism is to not let the noise consume him and play to his capabilities.

    “You have to have an unwavering belief in yourself because it is hard. It is hard to be a winner, to be a Stanley Cup champion. For me, the most important thing is that the players believed in me. The reason why they believed in me is because they saw the effort that was put in during the year. They saw the work ethic on and off the ice to focus, the dedication to the game. We all look at each other because we’re all on this journey together.

    “If someone is struggling we’re trying to pick him up and help him out. For Darnell Nurse, there’s nowhere to hide. All you can do is get out there and give your best. You have to be conscious enough to understand why you’re not playing well and be willing to change your game at this time of year and what you can do better.”

    More from Sportsnet
    Stars need to ‘reset’ after Oilers flip script in Game 4


    Impressive Oilers tie things up vs. Stars with third-period lockdown

    Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been receiving some valuable advice from former NHL star and current advisor to the team, Mark Messier, on how to handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a top player in the league.

    Messier, who won six Stanley Cups during his illustrious career, knows a thing or two about dealing with the pressures of playing in a hockey-crazed market like Edmonton. He has been working closely with Nurse to help him navigate the highs and lows of being a key player on a team with high expectations.

    One of the key pieces of advice that Messier has given Nurse is to focus on the process rather than the outcome. In a sport as fast-paced and unpredictable as hockey, it can be easy to get caught up in the results of each game or each season. Messier has stressed the importance of staying present in the moment and focusing on the things that he can control, such as his effort, attitude, and preparation.

    Another important lesson that Nurse has learned from Messier is the value of mental toughness. In a sport where confidence can be shaken by a single mistake or a tough loss, it is crucial for players to have the mental fortitude to bounce back and stay focused on their goals. Messier has shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity and staying mentally strong throughout his career, and Nurse has taken those lessons to heart.

    Nurse has also been encouraged by Messier to embrace the pressure and expectations that come with playing for a storied franchise like the Oilers. Rather than seeing them as a burden, Messier has taught Nurse to view them as an opportunity to rise to the occasion and showcase his skills on the biggest stage.

    Overall, Nurse has been grateful for the guidance and support that Messier has provided him with. As he continues to develop as a player and a leader for the Oilers, he knows that he can rely on Messier’s wisdom and experience to help him navigate the challenges that come with being a professional hockey player.

    In conclusion, Mark Messier’s advice to Darnell Nurse on handling pressure and expectations has been invaluable in helping him grow as a player and a person. By focusing on the process, staying mentally tough, and embracing the challenges that come his way, Nurse is well-equipped to succeed in the high-pressure world of professional hockey.