In all the chatter surrounding the Bruins’ recent struggles, tucked between the cliches about needing to work harder, there is a pure level of emotion that emanates when the players speak. Slightly wary and, at times, suddenly unsure of how to filter their words for the media, the players reveal hints of their personal pride and fragility as they express self-determination to shake the losing bug.
“They should try being me,” said another veteran writer, when I wondered how athletes deal with the raging rant of fans and media criticizing their work and struggles.
How can it possibly not be hurtful?
“I get it constantly,” continued the writer, pointing to the laptop screen showing Web postings of reader responses hidden behind avatars and unidentifiable screen names. “At some point, you just say, I am what I am.”
And what are these players, if not famous, wealthy, successful, career-driven men? They bond with their colleagues, drive for season-ending bonuses and seek the sheer rush that comes from a winning performance on the job. They’re not immune from feeling wretched, broken down and defensive when the results are lacking and there is a public outcry for better results or different personnel.
“Throughout the season, you have challenges, and the way you approach those challenges becomes important,” said head coach Claude Julien at practice on Tuesday.
For now, their approach? As a team, refocus. As individuals, maybe a little soul-searching.
