Rank: My Team is Eliminated, Now What?

The end of hockey season arrives quickly and painfully for almost every NHL fan. No matter what, it always seems your season ends too early. We are at that time of year where half of NHL teams are already in their offseason and the other half are soon to be done. In this edition of Rank we countdown the ten best things to do after your team has been eliminated.

10. Develop a Drinking Problem

Disclaimer: Beyond The Boards does not support or promote alcoholism. However, we do appreciate a good drink or a casual beer or six while you enjoy the playoffs. Unfortunately, after your team's season is over sometimes the only thing you can do is drown your sorrows. So grab your favorite beer, spirit or wine and cheers to better luck next year.

9. Root For Your Other Local Teams

As much as I hate saying this, maybe the best thing for you to do to get over your loss is to focus on your other local teams. It is the NBA playoffs, not my cup of tea, but maybe you enjoy it. Baseball season just started. The NFL draft is just around the corner. There are plenty of alternatives to hold you over until the next hockey season.

8. Search CapFriendly for Free Agents
https://www.capfriendly.com/ 
One of our favorite websites is CapFriendly. There you can find all kinds of information on salaries and contracts. You can even do some armchair General Managing and build your team's dream offseason. Probably the coolest new feature is the chance to mock draft the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Now that your season is over, you can have some fun and pretend to be the GM.


7. Start Draft Research

If your team is already out of the playoffs, chances are they're not very good. So it may be most important to look at the potential options for your team in the upcoming NHL Draft. I highly recommend TSN's Draft Centre. Honestly it is the best source of information regarding the draft. Everything you want to know is there, including mock drafts from their experts.  

6.  Watch Minor League Hockey

If you are one of the fans that does not care about the NHL as a whole, but only cares about your local NHL team, maybe you should start following your minor league affiliate. If your AHL team is still alive in the playoffs, now may be a good chance to see the future of your NHL team at work. Do a little scouting for your future. I will admit, AHL hockey is much less speed and skill. Typically the players you will see at this level are future third and fourth liners, a lot of grinders. Still a great game to watch and have some vested interest in the outcome.

5. Complain About Your GM or Coach

A favorite of all sports fans when their team comes up just a little short of expectations. Feel free to grab a beer with your friends to complain, call into your local radio sports talk show, post about it on social media or comment on a blog. No matter your outlet, just always be sure to point out every obvious mistake they made. Whether they passed on a great draft pick, failed to pull the trigger on a deadline trade or just keep the wrong players in the lineup. Remember, it is all their fault and you would not be a sports fan if you did not consistently call for them to be fired.

4. Get Out There and Play Hockey

Whether you have played your whole life or never before, there is an opportunity to play. I am sure your local rink has various recreational leagues of all age groups. Maybe you never learned how to skate, find a local roller or deck hockey league. Just go out and have fun playing hockey.

3. Play NHL 17 

This is what I do whenever I am upset about my favorite team. Whether you are on Xbox or Playstation you can get online and take out your pain on some unsuspecting gamers. There may be no greater satisfaction than taking over your favorite team and winning a few games for them. It always makes me feel better. If you do not already have NHL 17, use the links below to get your copy. Also, I am always looking for some good competition. If you are on Playstation, send me a friend request to TMoBro89.
NHL 17 - Playstation 4
NHL 17 - Xbox One

2. Root Against Your Rival

Sometimes the only satisfaction for seeing your team lose is to then see your biggest rival come up short too. No matter what, it always feels good to see the team you hate most fail when it matters the most. At the end of each season I get an odd joy in seeing the teams I hate going through handshake lines after a tough playoff series.

1. Just Enjoy the Playoffs

This is the best thing to do. The NHL playoffs have no equal. They are simply the best combination of speed, physicality and excitement sports fans get to watch. There are multiple great games every night. This year there has been an overtime game almost every night. I have been glued to the TV each evening since the playoffs started. The matchups are fascinating and many of these series are much more competitive than anyone expected. My suggestion after your team has been eliminated is to sit back and watch some great hockey.