Jagr accepts the C

[krypt1968]

Todays daily news stated Jagr has accepted the captains C for this 2006-07 season. Now lets go out and show the hockey world last season was no fluke and the rangers will be an elite team for some time. :0pouce:


source for full read: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/story/452488p-380789c.html

His shoulder mended, his game restored to its former brilliance and his worries about public speaking assuaged, Jaromir Jagr reported to training camp yesterday in Greenburgh prepared to lead the Rangers to a second straight playoff appearance. And to do it as their captain.

[Mel]

Good on Jagr, I knew he'd come around eventually.

I can't say I blame him or any of the other guys for being hesitant about taking Messier's C. He pretty much made it his own, and made it legendary to Ranger fans - only close friend and fan favorite Brian Leetch wore it in his 3 year absence.

I've said it before, As much as Messier will always be my hero - he stuck around too long and his presence in the organization was overbearing. I think it smothered the team especially in his last few years.

And we saw what ripping it down and bringing in fresh faces did for the organization last season. I don't think last year would have been as successful with Mess sticking around.

Jagr says the language barrier made him hesitant about taking the C last season which I think was just a smoke screen. What he did not want to deal with was the expectation that he turn into Mark Messier #2. They are very very different personalities.

I never doubted Jagr wants to lead this team. He just wants to do it his own way. And now that the team has established a new identity post-Messier, I'm not surprised he accepted the lead role.

Gotta figure they'll slap an A on Shanny and Kaspar will probably keep his A.