Saturday, October 18, 2008

6-1-1: They Aren't Thaaaaat Good


For the first time this season the Rangers faced the test of a team that will actually contend for the Stanley Cup and they came so very close to passing it with flying colours. They lost 5-4 in overtime to the Detroit Red Wings on a one-timer by Marian Hossa in the slot.

I have been yelling "Six million dollars for what?!?!" in the Garden every time Wade Redden would screw up defensively - which has unfortunately been at least twice a game. I apologize. According to NHLnumbers, Redden is making six-point-five million dollars. Sorry for shorting you Wade. My bad. For comparison, Redden makes a quarter of a mil less than Scott Niedermayer and a quarter more than Chris Pronger. It would really be nice if he started earning it. Redden was beaten twice on the last play alone as he poorly chased Pavel Datsyuk into the Ranger zone. It was embarrassing and infuriating. And don't get me started on Michal Rozsival, who I am pretty sure has no idea of how to play defense at all. Five million dollars.

But for all of the negativity, the Rangers did battle back after an embarrassing start to steal a point in a game against the reigning Stanley Cup champions which really is quite incredible. After looking waaaaaaaaay out of their league early, it was just a pleasure to watch the Blueshirts pick things up and run with the Red Wings.

*On a night where the other team featured Tomas Holmstrom - the best player in the NHL with his back to the net, who did score in this one - it was Aaron Voros who starred down low. Voros showed up for the first time in three games, getting a great second period chance off of a feed from Dubi. Voros got off a shot despite being clobbered from behind but Chris Osgood, being Chris Osgood, made the great save. He seemed to pick up his play from there and was involved throughout the third period. First he screened Ozzy on the equalizer and then he banked in the go-ahead tally off of the goaltender for his fourth goal of the season. Some blame does go to Voros for the too-many-men penalty, but most should go to Lauri Korpikoski for jumping on early.

*A finger needs to be pointed at captain Chris Drury for getting caught watching the puck in the first minute. His man, former Ranger Mikael Samuelsson, was left wide open to make a perfect deflection to score the opening goal. The five Rangers on the ice minutes later - Drury included - were following the puck and, after Henrik gave up a terrible rebound, none of them were near enough to stop Johan Franzen from banging in the puck.

*Much like with the first Detroit goal, the third Wings one came off of a shot that was redirected. This time Redden and Rozy couldn't clear the slot and the traffic made it virtually impossible for Hank to see. Three of the five goals against Lundqvist came from former Team Sweden teammates, which is pretty funny/sad/understandable. Lundqvist can hardly be blamed for this loss after making 40 saves. Two of the goals came on bad rebounds that he allowed but even then the defence could/should have bailed him out.

*Were there any fans there? Seriously, the Joe appeared to be half empty on tv and that is sad considering they honoured NHL great Ted Lindsay with a statue. From all that I have read, and all of the clips that I have seen, Lindsay was an incredible, incredible player and is definitely a Scotty Hockey Hero.

*Ryan Callahan finally got himself a real goal this season. Left alone in the circle, Scott Gomez finally made a good pass and Callahan snapped it past Chris Osgood to get the Rangers on the scoreboard late in the first period. The second Ranger goal was much like the first with a good pass setting up a good wrister from a good position. This time it was Nigel Dawes finishing it off with a goal he desperately needed.

*Apparently Markus Naslund is indeed still on the Rangers as he did a first intermission interview with Rob Simpson. Naslund, who is also desperately needs to score, had Simpson making excuses for Naslund's lack of production so far. Quite professional. The same goes for my buddy Joe Micheletti, who also stepped out and defended the past-his-prime Swede several times over the course of the game. There is still something left in the tank, but Naslund hasn't showed it since Prague.

*I have called for the firing of Perry Pearn since last season and feel the need to reiterate it yet again. His joke of a power play had no power (going 0-2) and nearly allowed their third shorthanded goal of this young season in the third period. There is simply no excuse for that.

*Redden and Rozy made Malik Kalinin look solid in this one but seriously, Paul Mara was a physical defensive force yet again. He has been the rock of the defence this season and I have to admit that I was wrong to send him away after last season. He was quite good in this one, but he wasn't three stars good ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Scott Gomez - two assists.
2-Pavel Datsyuk - one assist.
1-Marian Hossa - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Lundqvist - It is hard for me to give a star to a goaltender who gave up five goals but when you look at the defense in front of him (or lack thereof) and the battering that the super-talented Detroit offence gave him, you can see that he kept this one close.
2-Voros - How great is it to see a Ranger battling down low? Pretty f-in great, I have to tell you. I've dreamt of this day. Great work by the big man, let's hope he can/will keep doing it over the grind of the season.
1-HO-SSAAAAAAAAA - What a contrast between him and his brother, you know? Both Kostitsyns in Montreal are awesome, why was our Hossa so much worse than this one?? Marian has incredible timing, a great shot and a tendency to come through in the clutch - all of which he showed off tonight.



 "6-1-1: They Aren't Thaaaaat Good - Debunking the Myth of Perfectionism"



Perfectionism, often depicted as an ideal, is more commonly a source of stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. The notion of "6-1-1: They Aren't Thaaaaat Good" challenges the unrealistic expectations that surround perfectionism. In this article, we will delve into the world of perfectionism, explore its effects on mental well-being, provide strategies to overcome it, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you navigate the complex terrain of striving for excellence without falling into the perfectionism trap.

The Pursuit of Perfection
What Is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by a relentless pursuit of flawlessness and an unrelenting need to meet extremely high standards, often driven by an excessive fear of failure.

Different Forms of Perfectionism
There are several types of perfectionism, including:

Self-oriented perfectionism: High personal standards and the drive to achieve them.
Other-oriented perfectionism: Setting high standards for others and expecting them to meet them.
Socially-prescribed perfectionism: Believing that others expect perfection from you.
The Myths and Realities of Perfectionism
The Myth of Success
Myth: Perfectionism is a guaranteed path to success, excellence, and admiration from others.

Reality: Perfectionism can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even failure due to unrealistic standards and an inability to accept anything less than perfection.

The Myth of Self-Worth
Myth: Achieving perfection will enhance self-worth and self-esteem.

Reality: Perfectionism often erodes self-esteem as individuals base their self-worth on external achievements, making them vulnerable to self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy.

The Myth of Happiness
Myth: Perfectionism leads to happiness and fulfillment.

Reality: Perfectionism can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of well-being.

The Downside of Perfectionism
Mental Health Implications
Perfectionism is associated with various mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. The constant pressure to be flawless takes a toll on mental well-being.

Relationship Strain
High standards imposed on oneself or others can strain personal and professional relationships. It can create unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction when others fail to meet those expectations.

Decreased Creativity
Perfectionism can stifle creativity by promoting a rigid adherence to preconceived notions of what is "perfect." It leaves little room for experimentation or innovative thinking.

Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism
Embrace Imperfection
Recognize that perfection is an unattainable goal. Embrace imperfection as a natural part of the human experience. Understand that making mistakes is a vital aspect of learning and growth.

Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable and realistic goals. Break larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate progress rather than demanding immediate perfection.

Challenge Negative Self-Talk
Monitor and challenge negative self-talk and self-criticism. Replace unrealistic thoughts with more balanced and compassionate self-assessments.

Seek Support
Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor if perfectionism is significantly impacting your mental health and well-being. Therapy can provide valuable strategies for managing perfectionist tendencies.

Practice Self-Compassion
Develop self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. Accept that you are not perfect, and that's perfectly okay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is perfectionism always harmful?
Perfectionism exists on a spectrum. Healthy perfectionism can drive individuals to achieve their goals and excel, while unhealthy perfectionism can lead to negative consequences. It's essential to strike a balance and be aware of the impact of perfectionism on your well-being.

2. Can perfectionism be beneficial in some situations?
In certain situations, such as demanding professions or high-stakes projects, perfectionism can drive individuals to deliver exceptional results. However, it should be managed carefully to avoid the negative consequences of excessive perfectionism.

3. Can perfectionism be unlearned?
Yes, perfectionism can be unlearned or managed. Through self-awareness, self-compassion, and adopting healthier strategies for goal-setting and self-evaluation, individuals can reduce the harmful effects of perfectionism.

4. Are there famous individuals who struggled with perfectionism?
Yes, many accomplished individuals have struggled with perfectionism. Celebrities, athletes, and leaders often face immense pressure to excel, which can contribute to perfectionist tendencies.

5. How can I help a loved one who is a perfectionist?
Support your loved one by encouraging open communication and expressing your concern for their well-being. Encourage them to seek professional help if perfectionism is causing distress.


"6-1-1: They Aren't Thaaaaat Good" reminds us that the pursuit of perfection is often a mirage that leads to dissatisfaction and mental distress. While striving for excellence is commendable, the unrealistic expectations of perfectionism can have a detrimental impact on our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Recognizing the myths and realities of perfectionism and adopting healthier strategies for setting goals and managing self-criticism can help individuals lead more balanced and fulfilling lives. By embracing imperfection and practicing self-compassion, we can break free from the chains of perfectionism and rediscover the joy of being human, flaws and all.




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