AB...Yes I call out Ribero as the main fool. That is not because I get some sick enjoyment out of it...I really feel it. You seem to think that one guy can not have a such a big negative impact?
In my work, I have seen a great "team" for years go from awsome and productive to a complete mess...all on the hiring of one melon head. It can happen. I've seen it and lived it.
You get a guy walking around like he is king of the world, despite complete useless on ice performance and fighting with the captain, and throwing his arms up in disgust because Ryder missed the net, and showing up dressed in some ridiculus oufit, holding hands with Theo, floppin around on the ice, avoiding body contact at all cost, writing in a diary and and, and, and, and,... Eventually the real winners get sick of it.
Thrice...Its one thing to have an intersquad fight between two players, But from my playing days, you never fight with the captain( even if you are right). Ribero should have been dealt with right away for that mickey mouse behavior...but we all know why that did not happen now don't we....and thus the virus was alowed to grow into this mess.
Am I a broken record?...maybe but I honestly feel ONE guy can stir the pot just that much. Especially when thet guy has a built in protective layer...
The thing is when Ribero first showed up, I liked him. He has a great skill level and a great nose for finding the open guys...I hope Gainey can sit him down and drive some maturity down his throat. He could be a potential asset if he would just put away the loafer etc...
AB...Yes I call out Ribero as the main fool. That is not because I get some sick enjoyment out of it...I really feel it. You seem to think that one guy can not have a such a big negative impact? In my work, I have seen a great "team" for years go from awsome and productive to a complete mess...all on the hiring of one melon head. It can happen. I've seen it and lived it. You get a guy walking around like he is king of the world, despite complete useless on ice performance and fighting with the captain, and throwing his arms up in disgust because Ryder missed the net, and showing up dressed in some ridiculus oufit, holding hands with Theo, floppin around on the ice, avoiding body contact at all cost, writing in a diary and and, and, and, and,... Eventually the real winners get sick of it. Thrice...Its one thing to have an intersquad fight between two players, But from my playing days, you never fight with the captain( even if you are right). Ribero should have been dealt with right away for that mickey mouse behavior...but we all know why that did not happen now don't we....and thus the virus was alowed to grow into this mess. Am I a broken record?...maybe but I honestly feel ONE guy can stir the pot just that much. Especially when thet guy has a built in protective layer... The thing is when Ribero first showed up, I liked him. He has a great skill level and a great nose for finding the open guys...I hope Gainey can sit him down and drive some maturity down his throat. He could be a potential asset if he would just put away the loafer etc...-- Edited by Muller93 at 19:31, 2006-01-15
I'll say one thing...you're consistent
I have and will agree that Ribs is far from perfect if you agree that Saks is also not the great leader you say he is!
It's take two sides to every battle but the parties eventually have to show some restraint and harmony for the betterment of the whole team! Why is it that Saks is exempt from this? Ribs is closer to a rookie than Saks. Saks has been Captain for almost ten years. When is it his time to be professonal? Even if Ribs is the totally annoying one, this has gone on way too long because it has spilled onto the ice!
The one great thing about Gainey and Carb is that they will get all these guys on the same page! They will demand it!
AB---my post clearly outlines why Koivu has little influence. On anyother team, if a guy fights the captain--he is sent packing. Can you imagine some clown fighting Messier, Sakic,Sundin,Alfredsson, etc. The fact is, had the right thing been allowed to a happen back then...we would not have the locker room problem. As soon as that happens without appropriate consequences, you strip the captain of his ability to lead. You can thank the french media for that... actually backing their "darling" in that duel. Ridiculus!!
No way AB, Koivu is a great leader---watch the games. The best leaders lead on the ice( see Orr for details). You can't say Koivu does not lead on the ice. He is also a great leader off ice, unfortunately politics in Quebec got/still gets in the way.
AB---my post clearly outlines why Koivu has little influence. On any other team, if a guy fights the captain--he is sent packing. Can you imagine some clown fighting Messier, Sakic,Sundin,Alfredsson, etc. The fact is, had the right thing been allowed to a happen back then...we would not have the locker room problem. As soon as that happens without appropriate consequences, you strip the captain of his ability to lead. You can thank the french media for that... actually backing their "darling" in that duel. Ridiculus!! No way AB, Koivu is a great leader---watch the games. The best leaders lead on the ice( see Orr for details). You can't say Koivu does not lead on the ice. He is also a great leader off ice, unfortunately politics in Quebec got/still gets in the way.
Couldn't have said it better myself! (agreeing with Muller here)