Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars relies on a strict routine before games, including a two-hour nap and a specific meal of pasta and salmon. Routines are common among NHL players to help them mentally prepare for games. These can include pre-game meals like Pavel Dorofeyev's pasta with Alfredo or Tomas Hertl's scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Other players have unique rituals, like Scott Wedgewood's tapping of the goalposts or Alex Pietrangelo’s adjusted schedule due to family life. Coaches also engage in routines, with Pete DeBoer's walk through Denver becoming a tradition. Game day preparations can change, but many players maintain a consistent dressing order. Enjoying a nap is key, as is maintaining a relaxed mindset to avoid overthinking, as expressed by goaltender Logan Thompson.