There is an expectation which comes with watching professional athletes that - both men and women - are often looked at to perform with robotic efficiency.

As we all know, it doesn't exactly work that way.

In the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck fought the St. Louis Blues, fought the puck and fought himself for two weeks. A mental thing.

In other instances, a decision in an eyeblink on the ice or one coming from behind the bench can flip the fortunes of a team.

The common denominator: It's all human.

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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