What is more tense to be involved in as a player/coach/GM/spectator, a tie game, a game where you are leading by 1, or a game where you are down by 1? Describe all three and decide: what is the most tense you have been watching a close game on stream? (If you haven't watched a stream make something up)


I believe that being down by 1 in the 3rd is the most tense when it comes to watching the games. Every shot you take could be the one to tie the game and shift momentum so those are watched closely. But, then again, you can't avoid defense because if the opposing team goes up by a second goal then that hurts the chance of a comeback greatly. In these 1 goal games all players are pushing hard to keep the puck on the offensive side and the goalies have a lot of additional pressure.

Any playoff game that is down to a 1 goal lead in the 3rd period is a good example of how these games can really stress you out. Will the losing team be able to get a bit of puck luck and bring it to a tie and force OT? Will the leader's defensive game stand up and throw their bodies between the puck and the net to maintain that lead? It could be anyone's game so everyone has to be at their best.