We've been there, in many of those same situations we watch our favorite pro athletes in. Maybe not in say, Madison Square Garden, or the Staples Center, but in general we can usually relate to a degree.
We know what it's like to sink that basket. To throw that game-winning touchdown. To hit that walk-off homer, whether at the Little League, high school, or college level.
But rare is the athlete who has what I call "The Michael Jordan gene."
Scientists, they always talk of genetic mutations, and it's almost always in a negative connotation.
But what if genetics in athletes mutate in good ways too?
Much like we get our looks from mom or dad, we also inherit some of their traits. Of course, we could go on all day debating things like how someone's environment also affects the way people turn out as athletes, or people, but then we'd be here all day.
So for the sake of argument, when I refer to this MJ gene, I will keep it in the context of sports only.
With me so far? Because this is a two-parter.
This hypothetical Michal Jordan gene, as I call it, isn't in everyone. Maybe it's a mutation that allows him or other athletes to focus more when it matters most. Throughout sports history, you will find example after example of people who seem to elevate their games when it matters.
With the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs underway, I submit to you that our very own Chicago Blackhawks have not just one, but a slew of players who posses the Michael Jordan gene. (And before anyone skewers me here, know this concept is all in good fun).
When you're as young as these Hawks still are, and already have two Stanley Cup rings gleaming the same way Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and crew do, history tells us they're the type of team that's not usually done winning titles.
I've seen the dynasties of the 1980s Edmonton Oilers, with Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and crew. And the New York Islanders, with Billy Smith and Mike Trottier.
I've watched the nearly indestructible Pittburgh teams of the 1990s with Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr.
Experience, it seems, matters. And these baby Hawks have been thrown in situation, after situation, after situation that has tested their poise to the core, much like those teams of the past once did. I'm not suggesting the Hawks are the Oilers, Islanders or Penguins of hockey lore, but I am saying they aren't far behind.
Remember the two goals in 17 seconds to win their second Cup in four seasons?
No pressure there.
How about that overtime winner by Seabs against the hated Red Wings in OT? No pressure there either. What, you say? Kaner had a hattrick to send the Hawks to the Cup Final, also in OT last season?
Nah, that ain't pressure.
By the way, that was the second time Kane has done that. He did the same thing to Vancouver in 2010.
And I suppose there was no pressure when Hossa pumped home a huge goal against Nashville in 2010, the same game he watched his teammates kill off a four-minute penalty before the Hawks won in OT there, too?
Or when Kaner scored that...you know....Cup winner in Philly?
Drowning sarcasm aside, I think you get the picture.
Just why do these Hawks, when their feet are put to the fire, seem to come out unscathed so often? Is it skill? Experience? Luck? A combination of all three?
Or is it something deeper? An ability to focus? The same way MJ hit jumper after jumper. Clutch shot after clutch shot. In the biggest of moments.
Some things, you can't teach.
So just a word of warning, a word to the wise to the rest of the NHL, as these 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.
The Chicago Blackhawks may not win the Cup, but I'll tell you one thing.
You'd have to be a fool to bet against them. A huge one.
Michael Jordan gene or not.
Let the fun begin.
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