And what really bothers me is that the Rangers coaching staff know that as well.
I went to a Season Subscriber Fan Forum tonight where Tom Renney, Perry Pearn and Mike Pelino took to a stage and took questions from some fans as well as John Giannone and Dave Maloney. After the introductions and pleasentries, there were actually some interesting tidbits.
*First off, I think henceforth I am going to call Renney the Kind Commander as he made a half dozen references to the game being a battle, or the war. It also will make for some humour when speaking of the coaches after blunders I can call them KC and the Sunshine Band. They make everything look sunny and happy but honestly, they make some shitty music.
*They all seemed very impressed at the depth of knowledge of the fans. Of course, they shouldn't have been as Rangers fans are the most passionate and intelligent in the league. Leafs fans can think that they are, but seriously, if they knew so much, they wouldn't have allowed their team to suck so bad for so long. At least during the Rangers insanely-long drought, the team made it to the Finals three times. The Leafs haven't come as close since '67 and their idiotic fans have still made them the highest-grossing team in the league. Now that is gross!
*So some of the smart fans asked some smart questions and several of which resulted in essentially the same answer -- and thus it brought out the title of this entry. KC pointed out that the forwards skate by the crease, sometimes stop there for a second or two, but never set up camp and they need to. The skill players aren't willing to pay the price needed to get the dirty goals and no one will head to the paint. Pearn outright said that the skill players were "not playing to the level that they should." Hmm, I would say that they are calling out Jagr without saying his name.
*One guy was a typical New York fan, asking if they practice the 5-on-3 because it sure doesn't look like it. Everyone laughed hysterically and the coaches said yeah, they should do that and are going to start tomorrow. It was really a funny moment but it does bring up an interesting aside that the team should have a few open practices. Ever since they moved from Rye into the Tarrytown facility, the fans can't watch the team train. Its a shame. If there are any free dates at the Garden with the ice down, the team would do well to hold a open practice there.
*Another fan had a helluva lot more tact than I would have had and spent 10 minutes talking about a certain player in Hartford, wearing No. 10, who scored three goals on Brodeur, and was still sent down while others are still here. So basically, why the hell is Hossa on the Rangers while Dawsie is back on the buses? The short answers were because Dawes needs to be consistent. When it was pointed out by another guy that the fans aren't big on Hossa, Renney nodded but Pearn just said that the lesser of the two Slovak brothers just needs confidence. In other words, Dawes has a two way contract and Hossa doesn't.
*Pearn used to be an assistant on the Sens and compared Girardi to Wade Redden, which does really bode well for us. I really do think I will invest in a No. 5 jersey when I get the scratch together.
*Everyone seems to think that the HBO line has some offensive potential and the coaches are encouraging them to go to the net more. I really hope that pays off.
*My season ticket account exec said that I would be blogging all about this. I guess I have a reputation already, lol. Let's Go Rangers!
Jagr Is The Anchor Holding The Rangers Down: A Controversial Perspective
In the realm of sports, opinions and perspectives often vary, leading to spirited debates among fans and analysts. One such topic that has stirred controversy and divided hockey enthusiasts is the impact of Jaromir Jagr during his tenure with the New York Rangers. While Jagr is undoubtedly one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history, there are those who argue that his time with the Rangers was marked by challenges that held the team back. In this article, we'll explore this controversial perspective, delve into the dynamics of Jagr's tenure, and answer some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this debated topic.
Part I: The Jagr Era in New York
The Arrival of a Legend
Jaromir Jagr, a future Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated players in NHL history, joined the New York Rangers in 2004. His arrival in the Big Apple was met with great anticipation and excitement, as fans hoped he would be the missing piece to elevate the Rangers back to championship contention.
Immediate Impact
Jagr's impact was immediate and undeniable. He led the team in scoring, becoming a dominant force on the ice and earning the nickname "The Broadway Blueshirt." His presence was felt not only in the stat sheets but also in the locker room, where he assumed a leadership role.
Part II: The Controversial Perspective
Offensive Dominance, Defensive Neglect
One of the central arguments against Jagr's time with the Rangers is that his offensive dominance sometimes came at the expense of the team's defensive play. Critics argue that Jagr's style of play, characterized by a focus on scoring and offensive production, may have detracted from the team's overall defensive responsibilities.
Contractual Challenges
Another point of contention was Jagr's contract with the Rangers, which was one of the highest in the league at the time. Some argued that his substantial cap hit limited the team's ability to make additional roster improvements, particularly on the defensive end.
Playoff Struggles
While Jagr was undeniably instrumental in getting the Rangers to the playoffs during his tenure, his playoff performances were not always consistent with his regular-season dominance. Critics point to instances where Jagr's scoring production decreased in crucial playoff moments, suggesting that the team needed him to step up even more when it mattered most.
Part III: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some frequently asked questions about Jagr's time with the New York Rangers:
1. What were some of the highlights of Jagr's time with the Rangers?
Jagr's time with the Rangers had several highlights, including his remarkable scoring prowess, his leadership role on the team, and the fact that he helped the Rangers return to the playoffs after a long absence.
2. Did Jagr's offensive focus negatively impact the Rangers' defensive play?
Critics argue that Jagr's offensive focus at times overshadowed the team's defensive responsibilities, potentially leading to defensive lapses and reduced overall defensive play.
3. How did Jagr's contract impact the team's salary cap situation?
Jagr's substantial contract, one of the highest in the league at the time, limited the Rangers' flexibility in terms of making additional roster improvements, particularly on the defensive end, due to salary cap constraints.
4. Were Jagr's playoff struggles a significant factor in this perspective?
Jagr's playoff struggles, which included instances of decreased scoring production in crucial moments, contributed to the perspective that he may not have delivered when the team needed him most.
5. How should we balance Jagr's offensive contributions with these criticisms?
Balancing Jagr's offensive contributions with the criticisms is a matter of perspective. While he was undoubtedly a scoring sensation, some argue that his style of play may have had drawbacks in terms of overall team dynamics and playoff performance.
The debate surrounding Jaromir Jagr's time with the New York Rangers is a testament to the complexities and nuances of sports analysis. While Jagr's offensive prowess and leadership were undeniable and brought excitement to Madison Square Garden, there are those who argue that his tenure also had its challenges, particularly in the context of defensive play and playoff performance. Ultimately, how one views Jagr's impact on the Rangers depends on individual perspectives and priorities within the broader context of team dynamics and success. Regardless of the debate, there is no denying Jagr's status as one of the all-time greats in the NHL and his significant contributions to the sport.
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