Clutch: When the game slows down.

 

Jan 12th, 2020

The KC Chiefs, after rallying to overcome a 24-0 Deficit in the first half of a home playoff game, miraculously cut the lead to a manageable 3 points with less than 2 minutes left in the half. The stage was set for Mahomes to educate me on a talent I never considered as tangible, a manifestation of something I always perceived as a platitude. As the first half was about to end, he scrambled for a TD, it may seem like a common play, but it was as if he was going in slow motion it was confounding how he navigated to score while seemingly exhibiting no explosion. In that moment the game slowed down for Mahomes, Like Spider Man that sees his surroundings in a slower frame rate. 

Mathew Tkachuck

I will admit I have an untrained eye for hockey, that being said, I have watched plenty of Panther Hockey. A primary reason for my lost of interest is that I simply didn’t truly believe in the talent. When the Panthers posted the best record in the league, I saw a wild senseless attack. Specifically Huberdeau, I felt that he was a rudderless torpedo. Then they traded for Tkachuck, I went deep dive on his games and highlights and saw a deliberate and controlled player, a player that experiences the game slower. 

0-2 In the NHL Finals.

#19 for two games was playing against his unique talent. Chucky made it a priority to impose a level of physicality that honestly he doesn’t possess. Although we all can appreciate his urgency, his approach to become ultra physical manifested into a player that is chasing the game and ultimately naturalizing his greatest talent. #19 sees the game slower, an advantage that can explain his late game heroics; While everyone is pressing and exhibiting uber urgency #19 is seeing everything at a controlled pace. 

Panthers Win

After being knocked out of the game for an extended period of time, upon his return I saw the Tkachuck that orchestrated the Cup run. Controlled, Deliberate, and the lone special athlete that experiences his surroundings at a more manageable pace. 

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