Looking at the NHL standings this morning, I noticed the majority of teams have 12 games left to play. Some of those teams are either fighting for their playoff seed or are trying to make the top eight. Soon to follow will be the stress emails that will be rolling in from NHL fans.

If last season’s playoff race is any indication, my inbox is about to get full. Subject lines will include:

I am done watching hockey

The refs blew the game

The replay system doesn’t work

My team is choking

How could that be called a goal?

How could that NOT be called a goal?

Getting the picture? The stress factor is way up and will only get worse in the next few weeks.

Stress is not the only problem, we also have the “what if” fans, an exercise which leads to more stress.

What if Zetterberg gets hurt?

What if we juggle the power play a little bit?

What if my cable goes out and I can’t watch the game?

Another series of emails about to stream in will be titled: CHANGE! You see, fans are beginning to feel frustrated by the lack of winning from their team. They are die-hard fans, following every game, but feel only CHANGE will transform their team into contenders for the Cup.

When I say change, I not only mean player and coaching changes, I am talking about complete change. Emails will roll in, “so-and-so should change his stick, his skates and his gloves.” Others want their team to change its eating habits, sweater numbers, just about everything.

Let me put you at ease, but you must take my advice. I was there. I was you at one time in my life, stressing out 24/7, thinking I could pass on my stress karma to the team, which would turn it into positive energy and win.

The stress factor you have in no way is felt by your team. The sleepless nights, the sweaty palms, the grinding of teeth, none of it is witnessed by your team. Sure, it knows you care, you worry, and you cheer. So why not try something different and make this a stress-free spring season!

Sit back and enjoy the games. Watch the high-level athletic talent the NHL players put on display on a nightly basis. Follow a key player on the ice, move your eyes away from the puck and just follow that player, you may be surprised to find the puck will follow too.

Close your eyes and just listen, listen to the sounds of the game, you may find a sense you didn’t know you had, one that allows you to see the game through sounds. It will work, just let it happen.

During the intermissions, go for a walk, a 15-minute walk. Avoid thinking about the game during this walk, take a look at the stars, the moon; enjoy the landscape that surrounds you. You will come back ready for more action on the ice, not stressed out from the previous bad period of play.

Follow these simple steps and you may just find yourself with a little less stress and maybe a greater appreciation of the game. It worked for me and it just may for you, too.

But one warning: Keep the rally cap on—it works. It really does, just don’t tell the players about it, they won’t believe you!