Dear rangers fans, soon you will see what caps fans had

[Theo 1]

I don't see Chris Drury getting in a hissy fit with any player. He never has.

The difference between Jagr's Caps team and Jagr's Rangers team is night and day. Wasn't Jagr relied on to be Mr. Everything for the Caps? In NY, he has a supporting cast that is pretty strong and just got stronger. The pressure to perform is not only on him in NY the way it was in Washington. He is actually coming off a season where he played most of it at less than 80%. His shoulder injury held him back all last season.

I know you are bitter about Jagr but times have changed............

When Jagr came to DC, he wasn't relied on to be Mr. Everything.

They had Olie in goal, Klee, Johannson, Witt, Gonchar on D, Oates and kolishon centering, with Bondra, Simon, Halpern, Dahlen, Konowalchuk, Zubrus etc etc all playing forward.

This is not the 03/04 team that he crippled with his whinery and half heartedness. This was a team built to complement him, and he still managed to ruin everything.

Ken Klee? I dont even know what Johannson youre talking about, Witt as a premier D Man? I wouldnt say Simon, Halpern, or Dahlen are anything to brag about either. If anything what you posted pretty much shows how much of a Mr Everything Jagr was expected to be.

Dahlen-Kono-Halpern were a great shut down unit.

Klee-Gonchar were a solid d-unit, as were witt-johannson

Bondra was 2nd in goals scored in 10 years, only to jagr, for scoring support

Kolzig is a vezina winning goalie.

The caps had a solid team, Jagr was meant to be the missing piece, not Mr. Everything

Well said. But Jagr doesn't have it in him to be Mr. Everything for anybody. He's always just gonna be a missing piece. Call it a fault, call it what you want, the guy just marches to the beat of his own drum. Like Kovalev in a way I guess.

Umm, he was Mr. Everything for us just two seasons ago, 96. Guy carried the whole offense for us the whole season. He has potential to be top 7 in points ever o the all time list. That is not just a "missing piece" Production.

The guy is a happy guy and NYR and a few additions and subtractions will not change anything.

[#96 0]

Theo, you know I'm a Ranger fan and agree with 99.9% of the things you say, but when it comes to Jagr, I'm very particular about what I accept.

2 years ago and even down the stretch last season he was a huge part of the winning. But Mr. Everything? I'll give him Mr. Almost Everything, but in the season you're talking about your Mr. Everything refused the C. Last season he refused shoot-out shots. He was not Mr. Everything. Messier, Gretzky, Lemieux, Yzerman...they were Mr. Everythings. They lead on and off the ice, scored the big goal, had the big assist and got it done in the lockerroom. Jags...ehh, not convinced.

[Theo 1]

It's alright, 96...Guess we will just have to disagree.

Actions speak louder than words and two years ago he bought respectability back to the Ranger uniform. I don't really know what more you can ask for.

Refusing the C is a sign of maturity. At the time, he was not sure how the team would embrace him, fans, etc. But he went out there and flat out did it game in and out. His actions means a lot more than a letter on his chest to me that season. I have seen players with the letter play like they don't give a damn. Jagr was anything but that.

The shootout- He genuinely felt he woud hurt the team by doing it. I can reason with people who don't buy that. I think he truly meant it, but I also think doing them is important. Either way, it is not something I really judge the guy on- fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, IMO. Actually playing the first few months when he could have been rehabing/ not playing in ASG shows his priorities.

Very few players compare to Messier. Jagr doesn't have the spoken leadership, of course.

[s Greens 0]

a little off topic but....

i was on the rangers site and it lists jagr weighing in at 245 pounds, making him the heaviest player on the rangers.

Somehow this seems like a typo....

[Theo 1]

a little off topic but....

i was on the rangers site and it lists jagr weighing in at 245 pounds, making him the heaviest player on the rangers.

Somehow this seems like a typo....

No typo..His thighs are like tree trunks

Usually comes in at upwards of 250. This season because of no training last summer he came in in the 230's and he noted he felt weak fighting along the boards.

[hockeysc23 0]

It's alright, 96...Guess we will just have to disagree.

Actions speak louder than words and two years ago he bought respectability back to the Ranger uniform. I don't really know what more you can ask for.

Refusing the C is a sign of maturity. At the time, he was not sure how the team would embrace him, fans, etc. But he went out there and flat out did it game in and out. His actions means a lot more than a letter on his chest to me that season. I have seen players with the letter play like they don't give a damn. Jagr was anything but that.

The shootout- He genuinely felt he woud hurt the team by doing it. I can reason with people who don't buy that. I think he truly meant it, but I also think doing them is important. Either way, it is not something I really judge the guy on- fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, IMO. Actually playing the first few months when he could have been rehabing/ not playing in ASG shows his priorities.

Very few players compare to Messier. Jagr doesn't have the spoken leadership, of course.

Your buying into the same excuses many of us Caps fans took because it was a player of Jagr's character. Turning everything negative into a positive just because it is Jagr.

Fact is Jagr only plays hard when he wants to. He wasn't Mr.Everything in Washington as he had many other players, including several FA that were brought in just to make him happy i.e. Lang and Nylander to name a few. All he had to do here was play up to 1/2 his contract worth and the Caps could have made a push back for the Cup.

But the money wasn't good enough, he claimed he was happy here when we brought his friends in but even then that wasn't good enough.

Forgive me for not workshipping the ground Jagr walks on but he is his own type of player and set our organization back easily 5 years due to his lazy play. You want the big bucks, you want your friends to play with fine ... then play hard don't blame anyone and anything.

[Theo 1]

As a NYR he hasn't shown any of these traits, and to be honest that is what I really care about. Meanwhile others can take their time hoping he messes up or blows up or whatever.

BTW- Your GM/owner set the franchise back by wanting him. Toward the end in Pittsburgh I don't think he had the best rep either. You have to see these things coming. Luckily he actually cares about the city of NY and the Rangers and that is why we have not seen any issues here

[DarkStar50 680]

Sorry Caps fans, same name, Jaromir Jagr, but a different player for the Rangers. Don't ask me why or how but its true.

[#96 0]

Sorry Caps fans, same name, Jaromir Jagr, but a different player for the Rangers. Don't ask me why or how but its true.

Maybe his hot 21 year old Czech model wife has something to do with it?

[Theo 1]

I think he met her after his first season here, so no dice on that either.

I can't stress enough that every sign imaginable shows him loving the city, fans, Renney, Rangers in general. He has went out and said it as well, and while he may joke around many a times in an interview, when he is serious he says exactly what is on his mind. And he meant those words about wanting to win a cup with the Rangers and for the fans

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Jagr wanted to go to the rags, of that, there is no doubt. There was lots of talk locally at the time that there was a deal in place, but at the last minute, craig and dick patrick done the happy handshake.

That being said, there is a switch in jagr where he goes from being a great guy, to being a distraction.

He has been nothing but good so far in new york, but if and when things start going wrong, it will change.

As I say in most these, I am a bitter bias caps fan, so pay me no mind

[Chadd 916]

Jagr wanted to go to the rags, of that, there is no doubt. There was lots of talk locally at the time that there was a deal in place, but at the last minute, craig and dick patrick done the happy handshake.

That being said, there is a switch in jagr where he goes from being a great guy, to being a distraction.

He has been nothing but good so far in new york, but if and when things start going wrong, it will change.

As I say in most these, I am a bitter bias caps fan, so pay me no mind

He went to New York and they picked up all of the guys he wanted. We'll see how it goes this year.

[#96 0]

Jagr wanted to go to the rags, of that, there is no doubt. There was lots of talk locally at the time that there was a deal in place, but at the last minute, craig and dick patrick done the happy handshake.

That being said, there is a switch in jagr where he goes from being a great guy, to being a distraction.

He has been nothing but good so far in new york, but if and when things start going wrong, it will change.

As I say in most these, I am a bitter bias caps fan, so pay me no mind

He went to New York and they picked up all of the guys he wanted. We'll see how it goes this year.

Exactly. They got him and proceeded to make a Euro-centric team based around the principles of how he likes to play the game.

This year, it's not as Euro-trash, I mean centric and the game will be played with a more North-South kind of style. Jagr is sure to get sour at some point.

[DarkStar50 680]

Love the optimism #96!

[Theo 1]

I saw Jagr yell at one player this year and that was Malik. Meanwhile, he loves what Shanny brings to the table. The guy is fairly smart in what it takes to win and at this point I don't think he cares what country players he gets- As long as the team goes further and competes for the cup.

If I am wrong, I will be the first one to admit

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Do you think the rangers can get Avery, Hossa, Prucha, Shannahan and Lundqvist all under contract for under $10 million (which is what they are looking at)

If not, who will they not resign, or if they qualify/sign someone who puts them over the cap now, who do you see them trading?

[Theo 1]

Lundqvist is a given and so is Shanny (deal w/ incentives that will count on next seasons cap if he reaches those incentives). ---My feelings at least. They will purge the whole team before not signing Lundy.

Prucha was signed this morning- 1.6 M a year for 2 years. Avery will probably take us to arbitration. Just have to hope they don't award him anything crazy. Hossa might be an odd man out, but his contract will only be about a million or so.

I still feel we trade either Malik or Mara, IMO

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Avery in arbitration could really really hurt the rangers. I could be wrong, but aren't they allowed to bring 3 statistically comparable players up for comparison purposes.

He can bring in players like Gionta, Hartnell etc.

I can see a $3-3.5 award fairly easily. Arbitration, much more than free agency, in my opinion, has driven up player salaries

[hockeysc23 0]

Lundqvist is a given and so is Shanny (deal w/ incentives that will count on next seasons cap if he reaches those incentives). ---My feelings at least. They will purge the whole team before not signing Lundy.

Prucha was signed this morning- 1.6 M a year for 2 years. Avery will probably take us to arbitration. Just have to hope they don't award him anything crazy. Hossa might be an odd man out, but his contract will only be about a million or so.

I still feel we trade either Malik or Mara, IMO

I would be amazed if they get both Lundy and Shanny. Both are up to get some pay after good seasons. If Shanny stays he can keep the peace, as he is the real captain of the team. I personally hope he goes so I can watch the sparks fly!

Like Smoked I am a bias, and disgruntled Caps fan!

[Cavs019 710]

Free agency dictates arbitration. Players wouldn't be awarded relatively outlandish contracts if guys like Scott Hartnell at 50 pts a year were being paid a salary that matched their ability.

[Theo 1]

Lundqvist is a given and so is Shanny (deal w/ incentives that will count on next seasons cap if he reaches those incentives). ---My feelings at least. They will purge the whole team before not signing Lundy.

Prucha was signed this morning- 1.6 M a year for 2 years. Avery will probably take us to arbitration. Just have to hope they don't award him anything crazy. Hossa might be an odd man out, but his contract will only be about a million or so.

I still feel we trade either Malik or Mara, IMO

I would be amazed if they get both Lundy and Shanny. Both are up to get some pay after good seasons. If Shanny stays he can keep the peace, as he is the real captain of the team. I personally hope he goes so I can watch the sparks fly!

Like Smoked I am a bias, and disgruntled Caps fan!

With Shany though, he got 4M last year after a 40 goal-80pt season. This season he scored around 20 of his goals before December and really fizzled out. Had a nice playoff though. But if anything, he does not deserve more than 3-4 million and I think for the good of the team he will sign for less + bonus incntives

[#96 0]

I saw Jagr yell at one player this year and that was Malik. Meanwhile, he loves what Shanny brings to the table. The guy is fairly smart in what it takes to win and at this point I don't think he cares what country players he gets- As long as the team goes further and competes for the cup.

If I am wrong, I will be the first one to admit

You saw him yell at Malik once. What about in the locker room? What did you see in there?

I know I'm not the only one who heard about the Jags-Shanny power struggle this year. They both had to deny it.

PS - You didn't see him yell at Wardo, and look what happened to him.

Sorry, Theo. I'm just not a Jagr guy. He showed me something in the stretch and in the playoffs. He was actually skating hard and looked like he wanted to win. But he needs to do that on a more consistent basis to convince me otherwise. I'm not gonna let an 82 game season be erased by some good games at the end of the season and playoffs. I'm not easily pleased. I wanna see HHH (Heart, hard-work and hustle) every night.

[Theo 1]

Ward was an outspoken douchebag to be honest. Getting rid of him was half the battle of saving the season.

Shanny and Jagr are tight- No struggle aside from what the media may have said early on. And both players denied it because it was BS. Come on- To anyone who watches every game the notion of a struggle between them is absurd. Not to mention, if in fact there was one, Shanny wouldn't be so gun ho to return. Also to note, Shanny is the one guy who defended Jagr against Brashear. Like I said, to anyone who watches every game, they know that is just not substancial. The facts show they respected each other very much.

Early on, he was using one good arm and he was playing out of shape the whole season. He showed how he played well every game two seasons ago. This year he never got to work out before the season and put on the added muscle- And in season you really cannot do much to correct that. You are very much in the tiny minority of Ranger fans, 96...I will say that. The guy has pretty much shut up all of his critics for the time being during the last two years.

As fans we all want HHH- But honestly- Even Ortmayer, Hollweg took a few nights off last year. One Ranger who didn't was Straka- I will say that. But playing full out 82 games is just not possible- unless you sacrifice playoff performance

[Cavs019 710]

For what it's worth, Shanny and Jagr always seem to be talking on the bench.

[#96 0]

Ward was an outspoken douchebag to be honest. Getting rid of him was half the battle of saving the season.

Shanny and Jagr are tight- No struggle aside from what the media may have said early on. And both players denied it because it was BS. Come on- To anyone who watches every game the notion of a struggle between them is absurd. Not to mention, if in fact there was one, Shanny wouldn't be so gun ho to return. Also to note, Shanny is the one guy who defended Jagr against Brashear. Like I said, to anyone who watches every game, they know that is just not substancial. The facts show they respected each other very much.

Early on, he was using one good arm and he was playing out of shape the whole season. He showed how he played well every game two seasons ago. This year he never got to work out before the season and put on the added muscle- And in season you really cannot do much to correct that. You are very much in the tiny minority of Ranger fans, 96...I will say that. The guy has pretty much shut up all of his critics for the time being during the last two years.

As fans we all want HHH- But honestly- Even Ortmayer, Hollweg took a few nights off last year. One Ranger who didn't was Straka- I will say that. But playing full out 82 games is just not possible- unless you sacrifice playoff performance

At the time Ward opened his mouth, I thought he was being quite timely. They were in a slump, and like you mentioned, it seemed like even the hustle guys were taking nights off. Nobody was saying anything or stepping up. Renney was cow towing to Jagr, Jagr was shaking off shoot out shots (for whatever reason). Somebody needed to say something, and Ward did. I don't know what he said, but I can honestly say that he was right for saying something. I beleive I read that he called Jagr a p^ssy. Which, well, he was. So basically the Rangers made a statement that nobody questions Jagr or the team and proceeded to move him. In the end, and with hindsight, it worked.

The proof will be in the pudding. I liked Jagr's game at the end of the season and I hope he carries it over. He really has nothing to bitch about because he has two premier centers to potentially work with.

The whole Shanny thing was perplexing. I read he came to the Rangers because he was friendly with Jagr. And when the reports came out about the split in the lockerroom, I was confused too because it looked like he was getting along with Jags. But somebody saw something and reported. I think there was some dissention but they put it aside and played. I think when Shanny fought Brashear he was making a statement to everyone, and whatever was between him and Jags was put aside. He was saying, "Jags, you're a snaggle-toothed, flat back of the head Slav, but you're my captain and I'm gonna stick up for you."