The off-season is a challenging time for any dedicated sports fan. My fellow hockey fans can all agree that those few months between the playoffs and the preseason are basically torture. The struggle is real in every stage of the off-season.

1. Denial

The Penguins didn't win the Stanley Cup. Hockey season can't really be over. My team didn't see the Cup. We still have games to play, right?

2. Anxiety

What now? Will my favorite players get re-signed? Will we make good trades? How will our prospects turn out? I can't handle the stress.

3. Anger

We didn't even show up during the playoffs! I hate my team! I can't believe we traded him for 2 draft picks!? We signed him for HOW much!? That piece of garbage is still on the roster!?!?

4. Depression

Hockey season is actually over. We are a terrible team. We made terrible moves. We will never win the Stanley Cup. I should just jump on the Hawks bandwagon.

5. Isolation

Don't talk to me. My social media is dead, everybody went into hibernation. We are done.

6. Desperation

Currently hanging on to every little thing that happens from hockey weddings to playful social media banter between teammates since there's nothing else going on. I'll take whatever I can get.

7. Anticipation

You know, we actually won't be that bad. We'll be fine. It'll be an interesting season. Vegas could be fun to watch. I'm ready!

8. Impatience

So, Is it October yet???

9. Joy

Because soon we will be in full swing again!

At the end of the day, no matter how bad the previous season was or how boring the off-season is leading up to be, we will all be back ready and be rearing to go as soon as the season starts because we love the game. Also, Go Caps!