Hurricanes' Self-Inflicted Errors

The Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes began last night with lots of scoring, intensity, and excitement as Vegas came back to win 5-4 after the ‘Canes jumped out 2-0 in the first period.

The Hurricanes lost a tough one in front of their raucous home crowd. Unfortunately, it was mostly due to self-inflicted errors, unnecessary mistakes, and execution struggles on power plays. 

David Alter, writer for The Hockey News, summed it up this way: “Vegas' opportunistic offense, heavy forecheck and ability to capitalize on Carolina's mistakes proved too much in a wildly entertaining, mistake-filled Game 1.

"The Hurricanes led or tied multiple times but couldn't close it out, undone by self-inflicted errors, a power play that lacked execution, and a puzzling lack of production from their top line.”

Alter also wrote in his article, “Carolina generated chances and showed fight. They tied the game at 4-4 late on Shayne Gostisbehere's goal, but too many turnovers and lapses in coverage allowed Vegas to stay one step ahead.”

The Carolina Hurricanes head coach is Rod Brind’Amour, a former player who was the captain when the ‘Canes won the Stanley Cup in 2006. He was, of course, disappointed with his team’s errors.

After last night’s Game 1 loss, he said, “They forced us into [mistakes], and we didn't handle pressure particularly well. Sometimes there wasn't pressure, and we made a few poor decisions with the puck. They capitalized.”

As exceptional as the Hurricanes have been this postseason, it was surprising to see them make so many uncharacteristic mistakes, which was especially costly on the winning goal when defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere allowed Golden Knights Tomas Hertl to find space and score.

Gostisbehere admitted, "That one's definitely on me. Just took a breather for a second."

While they acknowledge and learn from their self-inflicted errors and lack of execution, the ‘Canes know the series isn’t over and have to move forward.

Carolina forward Seth Jarvis puts it, "...we can't dwell on the past. We can't dwell on the stuff we missed. It's about the next shift and next shot." 

As sports fans, we know how turnovers and mistakes happen in games and how they negatively affect teams. We also know how critical it is for players to do what they can to avoid those costly errors as they continue in a series.

They have to think differently, prepare better, and make wiser decisions. To execute the way they need to and finish games when they have the lead, they must demonstrate self-discipline and focus.

Similarly, in our own lives, we have costly turnovers and uncharacteristic mistakes that lead to results we don’t want. As followers of Jesus, though, we can avoid many of the “self-inflicted” errors that arise from poor decisions, foolishness, and selfishness by living our lives with God's wisdom, self-discipline, focus, and preparation.

Ephesians 5:17 (ESV) gives us this important challenge: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

As we follow Jesus and depend on His guidance to do what is best according to God’s will and Word, He leads us away from the “self-inflicted” sins that set us back and helps us execute the right way.

When we do “take a breather for a second,” take our eyes off Jesus, and make mistakes or poor decisions, we must confess and admit where we went wrong. Thankfully, we will receive forgiveness and be allowed to make the proper adjustments moving forward as we repent, experience God’s grace and mercy, and yield to the Holy Spirit to live a fruitful life.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

We then have to have a similar approach as the Hurricanes, "...we can't dwell on the past. We can't dwell on the stuff we missed. It's about the next shift and next shot." 

Thankfully, God gives us His Spirit to empower us to move forward, finish strong, and remain self-controlled and self-disciplined.

We're reminded of this in 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP): “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”

During a hockey game, players will miss the puck, make bad passes, and let a player get open. Likewise, we commit sins in our lives.

But as in hockey, so many “self-inflicted errors” are avoidable when we operate with wisdom and self-discipline and put ourselves in the right position. We, too, can overcome the opponent's pressure and handle it well. The key for us is to cling to God’s Word so we can think differently, prepare better, and focus on the truth.

Today, let’s follow Jesus in the way we should go, and thank Him for His grace and the salvation we have because of Him.

Let’s remember the “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless” (Proverbs 14:16; ESV).

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to be obedient and live in a way that is honoring to You. I know it requires wisdom and self-discipline, so please help me live by the Spirit and follow Jesus so I can avoid unnecessary self-inflicted errors. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.