Hot topic of the day at Friday’s Rangers practice was Jaromir Jagr’s reluctance to shoot in the shootout in Thursday’s game against the Devils. Some of you have already taken up the issue on the blog. So, here’s what Jagr had to say in his own words:
Q: Can you just talk a little more about what you don’t like about shootouts?
A: The game is not about shootouts. Let’s talk about the game, not a shootout.
Q: Right, but the game came down to a shootout? You opted not to do it, you’re arguably the best player on this team . . .
A: Best player doesn’t mean you’re good on breakaways. Forsberg doesn’t go breakaways, Gomez doesn’t go breakaways. I think they’re pretty good players. Some guys might play four minutes but they’re good on breakaways.
Q: So you feel you put the team at a better advantage by not taking breakaways?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you think there might be a psychological reason why it might be good for the team for you to be in the shootout rotation, even if you’re not good at it?
A: That’s tough to answer right now. I didn’t think about it. I don’t know how the other team’s thinking. I just know what I’m thinking. The game’s on the line, two minutes to go, I want to be there the whole two minutes. This is a different story. If I’m better than those guys that are going, then I’m in . . . Trust me, if I would know it would help the team I would be the first guy to stand on the red line. I always do everything with what I feel is good for the team. If I think it might hurt me or if I’m not going to be the hero, it doesn’t matter to me, because I know it’s good for the team. But maybe I might start shooting. Maybe it’s going to help the team. I don’t know.
Comments (7)
Wilt Chamberlain was arguably the greatest scorer in basketball history, 100pts in a game 50pts/gm for a season, but he couldn't shoot Free Throws. If basketball came down to a Free Throw contest would you want Chamberlain on the line? Remember the Hack-a-Shaq strategy?
I'll give Jags the benefit of the doubt, though I think he doesn't give himself enough credit.
1) He's the captain/highest paid player/leader? and he's refusing to be a top 4 player on a shoot out?
2) Looks like JJ is again alienating himself from his teammates and fans like he did in Pitt and DC.
Mr. Jagr, do they come more self centered then this guy?
A: The game is not about shootouts. Let’s talk about the game, not a shootout.
Yes it is, like it or not the New NHL gives 3 points a game and getting one 2 of them comes down to a shootout. So is the game not about a shootout or does the 'Superstar' not like them?
A: Best player doesn’t mean you’re good on breakaways.
I can agree here but, Let's go to the video tape and watch some Jagr breakaways. Classics! COP OUT!!!
A: Yes.
One word answer says it all. 'I don't have a good answer without whining about how I don't like or think I am above the shootout'
A: That’s tough to answer right now. I didn’t think about it. I don’t know how the other team’s thinking. I just know what I’m thinking. The game’s on the line, two minutes to go, I want to be there the whole two minutes. This is a different story. If I’m better than those guys that are going, then I’m in . . . Trust me, if I would know it would help the team I would be the first guy to stand on the red line. I always do everything with what I feel is good for the team. If I think it might hurt me or if I’m not going to be the hero, it doesn’t matter to me, because I know it’s good for the team. But maybe I might start shooting. Maybe it’s going to help the team. I don’t know.
Marty Broduer said what he is thinking. "I'm Glad he didn't go". Maybe he shouldn't get the chance to play two full minutes. What does he do when he takes shifts that are way too long? Nylander,Hossa, Cullen and Prucha and he isn't better then one of them? The team, the team the, the team...All I hear is the Teacher from Charlie Brown. (you know the sound)
I don't expect many people here to agree but, come on! This team will not win until Jagr isn't a part of it. He is a world class player with no class. He does not care about the team and is track record shows how much of a team player is.
FauxRumors, went over to that site right after we both posted here.
From that site:
3) After the game few had the nerve to approach Jagr about the subject but a player who did not want to be identified said that this shows "what kind of person he(Jagr) really is, That he's a selfish and arrogant baby who only shows up to play at 100% when he feels like it." After witnessing last night's shoot out MIA we at FAUXRUMORS2 can't disagree with that assessment
HA HA HA!
My guess, Avery if it was a Ranger!
Shaq isn't good at shooting free throws, its kinda the same thing. Shootouts are idiotic anyways, thats not real hockey.
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