This Is Not Sour Grapes ...

... But it will sound like it. Mats Sundin's statement that "the Vancouver opportunity was simply the best overall fit" is a complete and utter lie. If I was a Vancouver fan, I would be upset. Sundin is a mercenary trying to ride into town as a hero.

He is not.

While I certainly wouldn't have minded seeing the big Swede in a Ranger sweater, I have maintained throughout this saga that the Blueshirts' biggest priority needed to be their defense. You can't win a championship with a blueline that is as underachieving and overpriced as the Rangers'.

Perhaps Sundin agrees with that. But nonetheless, his motivation towards picking the Canucks was about kroner, not Cups.

Most of the write-ups are saying that the deal he made with Vancouver is in the $5 million range for the rest of the season. For the Rangers to accommodate that, then Scott Gomez would indeed have been the best candidate to go (too bad that didn't work out, as I dislike the Mexican't). But Vancouver was one of the few teams that could fit in a contract that size and they weren't willing to commit to Gomez for that much money for six seasons, especially with the Sedin twins both up for free agency after this year, as are about a dozen other 'Nucks ... Plus what better way to follow up Trevor Linden's retirement than to bring in Sundin? His presence - or even the fact that the team was willing to go get him - may entice the Sedins to re-sign (even if Sundin is only around this season).

And to continue the Linden comparison, Vancouver is bringing in another old warrior who is well respected and will retire without winning a Stanley Cup. Sundin would have had a better chance in the weaker East, he would have had a lighter travel schedule, been a continent closer to Sweden and had a goaltender behind him that has already earned him Olympic gold.

This really is a good thing ... for the Rangers. Sundin and the Canucks will be under more pressure than ever to get results, especially with the Toronto media following their former captain. Meanwhile, the Rangers can look around the locker room and know that these are the guys that they are going to war with. It should strengthen team chemistry, give them something to prove (that they don't need Sundin to win) and it shouldn't lead to complacency - or at least any more than there already is.

Remember, the trade deadline is just over two months away ...

 This Is Not Sour Grapes: Understanding the Nature of Sports Fandom

Sports have a unique way of igniting passion and emotions in people. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there's no denying that sports can stir up intense feelings. This article aims to explore the world of sports fandom, addressing the highs and lows, the joys and frustrations, and why it's essential to remember that it's not always about sour grapes.

I. The Joy of Victory

One of the most exhilarating aspects of being a sports fan is celebrating your team's victories. The elation that comes with a last-minute goal, a game-winning shot, or a championship win is unparalleled. These moments of triumph create a deep sense of connection between fans and their teams, forging lifelong bonds.

II. The Agony of Defeat

However, being a sports fan isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Alongside the thrill of victory comes the agony of defeat. Whether it's a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs or a season filled with disappointment, fans often invest their emotions in their teams, making defeats all the more painful.

III. The Emotional Rollercoaster

Sports fandom is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One week, you're on cloud nine after a dominant win, and the next, you're in the depths of despair following a crushing defeat. This emotional journey is what makes sports so compelling, as fans invest not just in the outcomes but in the players and the stories that unfold.

IV. The Passionate Support

Sports fans are among the most passionate supporters in the world. They paint their faces, wear team jerseys, and chant slogans with unwavering enthusiasm. The passion of sports fans transcends borders and languages, uniting people from diverse backgrounds under a common banner.

V. The Blame Game

When things go wrong for a favorite team, it's not uncommon for fans to seek explanations. Some fans may place blame on referees, coaches, or even opposing players. This is where the concept of "sour grapes" comes into play—when fans deflect their disappointment by attributing a loss to external factors rather than acknowledging their team's shortcomings.

VI. The Importance of Perspective

It's essential for sports fans to maintain perspective. While the highs and lows of sports can be emotionally charged, it's crucial to remember that sports are, at their core, a form of entertainment. Wins and losses are part of the game, and attributing them solely to external factors can diminish the value of competition.

VII. Healthy Fandom

Healthy sports fandom involves celebrating victories, commiserating in defeats, and accepting the outcomes with grace. It's about recognizing that every team faces its challenges and that the true beauty of sports lies in the unpredictability of the results.

VIII. Fandom as Community

Sports fandom extends beyond individual allegiances. It creates communities where people come together to share their passion, engage in friendly banter, and support one another during both good times and bad. This sense of belonging is a fundamental aspect of being a sports fan.

IX. Conclusion

In the world of sports, the line between elation and disappointment is razor-thin. While it's natural to experience frustration when your team doesn't perform as expected, it's crucial to remember that sports are about more than just winning. They're about the moments, the memories, and the camaraderie that come with being a fan. So, the next time you feel tempted to cry "sour grapes" after a loss, take a step back, appreciate the journey, and remember that being a sports fan is about embracing the full spectrum of emotions that the game offers.