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Mark Messier sends harsh message to players who can't handle pressure


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River Hawk
July 13, 2024  (9:12 PM)
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NHL legend Mark Messier
Photo credit: Men's Health

In his recent special appearance on the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast, NHL legend and six-time Stanley Cup winner Mark Messier sent a harsh message to players who struggle with public pressure.

Mark Messier is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in hockey history. Aside from six Stanley Cup wins and the third most career NHL points, Messier had the honor of induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
"Nov. 11/2007 - 2007 Hockey Hall Of Fame inductees: Ron Francis, Al MacInnis, Mark Messier & Scott Stevens."
Recently, Spittin' Chiclets podcast fans were lucky enough to get a chance to hear the crew interview the former Oiler. Messier spent most of his time on the show relishing his past in the league. This included a discussion of the pressure he faced from the fans.
"Because of the 5 years that we went on this journey together, and I always say that we went on the journey together and it is true, as a team and organization if you're not walking that line together with your fan base and using that energy that they can provide, the expectations, the pressure, I think that can really benefit a team."

Now, well into his sportscasting career with ESPN, he has taken the idea of analyzing and critiquing current players very seriously. During his interview on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Messier was asked about his take on players who struggle with the spotlight, who only had the advice of quitting to offer.
"If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen."
Though this may be tough advice for some younger players to hear, outside pressure is always a guarantee. If you cannot learn how to manage it, you will never reach your full playing potential. Hopefully, struggling NHLers take Messier's lesson, otherwise, they can expect to fade into the background.

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