Psychologist: Positive Fans Are Key For Wild In Playoffs
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Wild are getting their game faces on. They're down 2-0 in their playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks. But they're hoping to turn that around at home.
Everyone is getting excited, even the dogs. Some were fully decked out in Wild gear for the game. Folks took the day off work to cheer on the Wild from their favorite watering hole. Servers at Eagle Street Bar, across the street from Xcel Energy Center, said fans started camping out around lunch.
If you don't have tickets to Game 3 but want a piece of the action, the X has a fan experience set up outside Gate 2 at Kellogg and West 7th that kicked off at 4:30 p.m.
There has been no shortage fan support at Eagle Street Bar ahead of Tuesday's game, but because of the last two games, there is some extra tension. A licensed professional said on a night like this, positive fans are a big key.
At Bunny's Bar in St. Louis Park, hockey was hanging over some heads hours before the puck drop.
"I think people are a little bit concerned if they are going to pull it off, which is sad," one fan said. "What's my gut feeling, I won't say it's very good."
He's got the day off work and for Drew Allensworth, it's all about focus.
"I've been in hockey mode for the last two weeks," Allensworth said.
But a Twin Cities sports psychologist says it should be good.
"It's easy to get caught up in we are the underdogs, but really we've been consistent all year long. We are here for a reason, so trust that," Clinical Sports Psychologist Dr. Allie Wagener said.
She says there's scientific reasoning to suggest high hopes are justified.
"We know that we are more aggressive, we have more motivation and we are actually more confident when we're at home," she said.
Lunch at a hockey bar also seemed appropriate for Katie Dandrea, who wore her jersey to work.
"I'm a little nervous but I'm excited, I think it's good they are playing at home tonight. We got Tuesday and Thursday and I think we can do it," Dandrea said.
They are shows of support a licensed professional say matter. Cheers boost morale, but can mean another kind of edge.
"There's also research to show that when we have the crowd behind us it can influence referee calls to an extent," Wagener said.
And if you can't make the game in person, be positive on social media and wear your Wild gear with pride.
"Be supportive, be excited and be in the moment," Wagener said.
And she says in sports, there truly is no place like home.
"When the players look up, see people on their feet, we see them chanting and cheering it can provide that extra edge to skate a little stronger," Wagener said.
It also helps for momentum if you score the first goal and keep the crowd into the game, something the Wild hasn't done yet in the series. And there are 60-plus minutes to get excited about.
"I agree with Coach Yeo. It's a Game 7, have to give it our all and win and I have total faith in our team," Allensworth said.
