Andrew Gross over at Ranger Rants looks at an interesting subject this morning. Do the Rangers change who wears the "C" and "A"s this season..."No way Drury is not the captain and I can’t imagine Ryan Callahan not getting an “A” as an alternate captain. But does Vinny Prospal retain his “A.” In my opinion, he’s done nothing to lose it but maybe it’s given out differently this season. Would Marian Gaborik be a good choice, perhaps to reinforce the need for him to be a dressing-room leader? Is it time for Marc Staal, when signed, to rightfully assume a portion of the team’s leadership? At some point in his career, Michael Del Zotto will wear a letter. I don’t think it’s this season but there does seem to be a trend toward younger leadership in the NHL."
...like Gross says no way they are taking the "C" away from Drury, but I'd love to see Gaborik get it. This guy was everything and more last season. He fought through injury, he stood up for himself and took on Carcillo and his work ethic is unmatched.
...i also think this would alleviate a lot of pressure off of Drury (see Marleau last season) and allow him to play his game. Similar to how effective he was for the U.S. Olympic team when he was not counted on to be the leader of the team.
...as far as "A"s I'd keep them as they were last year. Callahan is pure guts and Prospal was a great influence on the younger players, plus I loved his enthusiasm.
...maybe next season the Rangers should start incorporating Staal and Dubinsky into the leadership of the team.
...what do you guys think?
25 comments:
This sounds crazy, but I'm just gonna go ahead and say it: I think Henrik Lundqvist should be the Rangers' new captain.
Gabby for captain
I agree with Carl. I know you never see goalies with a "C", but Lundqvist is the absolute backbone of this team and is truely outspoken to the media and in the dressing room (from what I've read). Until they have a strong skating leader, then I think Hank is a great choice!
Let's see what happens after this season. We lose a lot of contracts after this season
I definitely agree with making Gaborik a captain. He played his heart out last year
I would say let's keep it the same this year. It's gotta irk someone to lose a letter, so I would say let Prospal keep it this year since it may be his last with the team, then next year it could go to whichever younger core player has the best, or most mature, season. The year after will most likely be Drurys last, then we can bring in another new A and bump up Cally or Staal (or whoever) to C. Better to do it through attrition.
Would live to see Avery get the "C".... Just for the entertainment value, not for his leadership!!
*effective
After re-watching the Columbus game last night and how Gabby single-handedly got them back in it, its hard not to give him the nod.
And ENOUGH with the friggin proofreading. If you need to be such a tool and point out an error, just send the guy an e-mail. His address is on the blog. It really takes a way from what is usually a great comments section when some knob feels the need to show to the world that he knows the difference between a noun and a verb.
After 1948 goalies cannot be "game" captains. They can't wear a "C". This is happening in Vancouver right now.
Thanks Annoying. However, Jack has been around since the beginning of the blog so it's hard for me to get on him.
No, Lundqvist cannot be captain. A captain is someone you look to for leadership in the 11th hour, and Hank will be in goal fighting for the team's life. A skater should be the captain, and I think removing it from Drury might be a good idea. Gaborik, Dubinsky, Callahan, Stall and Prospal all make good options, but it should go to someone who will wear it for a long time.
I think its really stupid that goalies cant be captains. They can be in soccer so i don't see what the big deal is with a hank or luongo being captains. Captains is supposed to lead the team into battle every night and no one does it better than hank with the way he plays every night.
I love this blog and I don't consider myself a snob.
I work in magazine and online publishing so I'm a little OCD when it comes to typos and whatnot.
Thanks Jack, you know I never think you're a snob.
Ok i was a little harsh. There has just been a bit too much proofreading latelt and I think its distracting.
I donlt think its realistic to have a goalie as a captain. Is he really going to skate back and forth between the refs and the coach during a disputed or reviewed call? Plus Henrik's game iis predicated so much on his focus, having to act as a captain would be too distracting. Like proofreading.
BOOGAARD!!!!
I kid, I kid!
Agree with Annoying Joe: There is leadership on the ice and captaincy duties that must be carried out. A goalie cannot be an effective tool for communication between the coach and the refs and be 80 feet away from the bench. There are plenty of leaders on a team and not having a letter on the sweater should in no way lessen their leadership abilities or their effectiveness as a leader. I am sure that when Henrik speaks all ears are tuned in.
As far as wearing the C, Dru should remain the captain for this year and then be removed the following year to facilitate a change in the locker room as well as in management.
Roberto Luongo wore the C on his helmet...
http://www.thestevenetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/roberto-luongo.jpg
id say after this season maybe dru should give the C to gabby and take the A instead...
anyone for lundy being captain...do you not think the guy has enough on his shoulders already? he doesnt need the added pressure.
keep leadership letters as is. the far bigger problem is team has way too many 3rd and 4th liners. most likely only 2 top 6 forwards for example with frolov the 2nd one.
i would like staal to get one in yr or 2. team wants to reup him long term unlike cally and dubi they did for 2 yrs. plus have a defenseman getting a letter and spreading the nationalities makes sense. but thats for next yr. this yr keep exactly the same.
mark messier in his prime could only do so much with the limited talent on this team.
LI Joe nailed it, but only if Staal grows into that role. Every indication is that he will, but I guess we will see. Man, an "is his prime" Staal, DZ, Mcdonaugh, and McIlrath D corps in 2-3 years gets me all warm and fuzzy.
Do you really think it matters who has a letter on his chest???
You either are a leader or you are not....you dont need to have it stitched on your Jersey to lead by example on the ice or in the locker room....
What I do believe is you can force someone into a leadership role by putting a letter on their chest, and that player is clearly not comfortable being labeled a s a leader.....I think of Brian Leetch....very comfortable with the "a"....seemed off his game when he wore the "C"
i think the talent level or lack thereof is a lot bigger issue than switching the letters
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