Lynn Zinser at Slap Shot writes about the Ranger fans reaction to Jaromir Jagr last night...At one point this season, the Madison Square Garden fans were busy chanting for the team to re-sign forward Sean Avery. But now, with Avery out for the season with a lacerated spleen and the Rangers’ playoff lives seemingly resting on the shoulders of captain Jaromir Jagr and goalie Henrik Lundqvist, the free agent the Garden fans are showering with attention is Jagr.
He was greeted in warmups with signs saying, “Come Back J.J.” and fans chanted his name throughout the game. While Jagr brushed off all talk of his future after the game, even his teammates admitted it meant something.
“I think it means a lot,” said center Brandon Dubinsky. “It’s a good feeling when you have your home crowd behind you and they let you know how much they appreciate you. It was nice to hear our fans acknowledge him and what he’s contributed and what he’s continuing to contribute. I think it feels good for him and feels good for the rest of us too.”
...while every Ranger fan loves Jagr and he's been a major reason for the post lockout resurgence of the franchise he never got the out-pouring of support he received last night. Not even during his 54 goal season did he get that type of love from the MSG crowd.
...and it all had to do with his desire. That's one thing New York fans respect. If you go out and wear your heart on your sleeve (see Sean Avery) you will have the New York crowd on your side. During his time with the Rangers it didn't always seem that Jagr was giving 100% and because he's not an emotional Captain (see Mark Messier) some fans don't feel that he cares enough. But over the course of the 2008 playoffs, I think the New York Ranger fan has gotten a new found respect for Jagr "the Captain." Which came to a climax last night with the banners and chants for Jagr to stay a Ranger.
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