Fleury to see a sports psychologist

[columbia]

Well, I think the latter follows the former.
If the concentration doesn't properly exist, I'm not sure his angles matter.

[shmenguin]

If I see an opposing goalie going to a psychologist, sports related or not, I'm chirping him hard for it.

You'd be surprised at how many players take advantage of one.

thats fine. I'm not saying they are devoid of use. I'm saying that making it public information only makes it a talking point every time fleury gives up a goal or if they lose a game. I can't wait for the yinzers to be squawking their little heads off "dat maf got a wussy brain. He otta see dat chick from da sopranas"

yeah, i don't really like this being public info either. aside from it adding a new layer of pressure on fleury, therapy is at its best when it's a private process.

[brwi]

If I see an opposing goalie going to a psychologist, sports related or not, I'm chirping him hard for it.

Why? Craig Anderson has said that seeing a sports psychologist was one of the best career moves he ever made. He's one of many that have gone to a sports psychologist at one time or another.

Worked fantastic for MLB pitcher John Smoltz who was on the the first "name" athletes to really talk about it at the time.

[MRandall25]

As long as they aren't giving up what exactly he's doing, I don't really see what's wrong with saying he's doing it.

[meow]

There's nothing wrong with making this public information. Saying otherwise shows embarrassment in his need for such a treatment. Good for Fleury and the Penguins for identifying a weakness and addressing it. I've said multiple times on here that he needs to see one. It certainly can't hurt. I can speak from personal experience about how helpful a sports psychologist can be.

[Gaucho]

Word.

[Malkamaniac]

Give him an Adderall prescription.

[meow]

Give him an Adderall prescription.

Good thing you aren't the psychologist.

[FreeCandy44]

:( this is startling news to me. I really hope Fleury can come back stronger.

[netwolf]

IMHO, it was made public for two reasons. First, is that with it being a fairly common practice, its not a big deal. It isn't that different from someone going to a chiropractor, accupuncturist, or [insert non-traditional treatment specialist here]. Second, is that even if they did want to keep it a secret, it was likely coming out sooner or later anyhow. Mention it now and unprompted and it seems like no big deal. Try to keep it under wraps and it gets out, now everyone's wondering why it was a secret and what else might be.

I've thought his playoff issues have largely been because he's so far in his own head, he can't see much. It certainly can't hurt. A bit overdue IMO.

[topshelf]

IMHO, it was made public for two reasons. First, is that with it being a fairly common practice, its not a big deal. It isn't that different from someone going to a chiropractor, accupuncturist, or [insert non-traditional treatment specialist here]. Second, is that even if they did want to keep it a secret, it was likely coming out sooner or later anyhow. Mention it now and unprompted and it seems like no big deal. Try to keep it under wraps and it gets out, now everyone's wondering why it was a secret and what else might be.

I've thought his playoff issues have largely been because he's so far in his own head, he can't see much. It certainly can't hurt. A bit overdue IMO.

Yep, agreed. It is common for athletes to get into their own heads. Look at how many streaky guys there are in all of sports (especially baseball and hockey). If it's a way for Fleury to gain some focus and change his perception on things (like Cooke was able to do with his sports psychiatrist), then it's a great move.

[shmenguin]

It may be common place, but its the first time I've seen a puck daddy headline about a hockey player seeing a shrink. Puck daddy articles are turd platters, but its still a reasonable barometer. So right out of the gate, his treatment is under an unusual microscope. When he starts struggling this year, it's going to be something mentioned by every legitimate and illegitimate critic out there as well. Some of those folks will even be sticking microphones in his face after games. Making it public makes it less organic. I don't like the leak, but maybe it's not a big deal.

[tfrizz]

Well, I think the latter follows the former.
If the concentration doesn't properly exist, I'm not sure his angles matter.

Not exactly. He'll still have off games/stretches like anyone, but good coaching can make it so those stretches aren't like... well... what we saw in the last few playoffs.

[tfrizz]

There's nothing wrong with making this public information. Saying otherwise shows embarrassment in his need for such a treatment. Good for Fleury and the Penguins for identifying a weakness and addressing it. I've said multiple times on here that he needs to see one. It certainly can't hurt. I can speak from personal experience about how helpful a sports psychologist can be.

I kind of wish I had sought one back when I still bowled. If I could've got out of my own way, I had the potential to be on the the top guys in the city. Instead, all I got was a lot of inconsistency, frustration, and "what ifs".

[Steve Dave]

You pulled a Munson?

[IMFC]

So there are people that think a sports psychologist isn't going to address dealing with negative media and fans.

Really. Maybe it's the word 'psychologist' that's tripping them up?

[letsgoalpens]

I would provide pro bono work for MAF. I am honestly surprised he hasn't been seeing one.

[Rugbymuffin]

Losing is a disease, as contagious as bubonic plague.

[taz71]

I think of it as a positive. I actually would have hoped he had already seen on but it does appear to be his greatest from the offseason.

[topshelf]

Well, I think the latter follows the former.
If the concentration doesn't properly exist, I'm not sure his angles matter.

Not exactly. He'll still have off games/stretches like anyone, but good coaching can make it so those stretches aren't like... well... what we saw in the last few playoffs.

With combination of a sports psychologist and a good goalie coach, we could see quite the rebound in Fleury.

[no name]

That goal he gave up in game 3 vs the Islanders had to be mental. There is no way that one should of gone in.

I think this will be good for him, just a way to find and keep the edge he had in 2009.

[JS©]

It may be common place, but its the first time I've seen a puck daddy headline about a hockey player seeing a shrink.

Matt Cooke, 2011?

[Penspal]

This is definitely a positive. I believe that maybe going public was a way to pressure MAF into doing it. It sounds like he was asked to before but he did not, for whatever reason. MAF has had success in the regular season and in one cup, but he has also had more than his share of bad luck breaks, going all the way back to his WJHC. Those type of things worm into your psyche, so hopefully MAF comes back strongers. Nothing would make me happier for him and the Pens.

[shmenguin]

It may be common place, but its the first time I've seen a puck daddy headline about a hockey player seeing a shrink.

Matt Cooke, 2011?

Ah yes. Forgot. Pretty different circumstances though.

[Gaucho]

"Seeing a shrink" seems to have certain connotations that do not apply at all in this case. It's not like Flower is mentally ill or unable to lead a normal life. It really is quite common, but I guess it's no surprise that especially hockey players may be somewhat reluctant to discuss is publicly.