I love how people pick and choose quotes to do hit jobs on this guy and don’t take everything in context. He stated in that interview after Game 3 that he tries hard, but he can’t always play as hard as he wants-- not that he isn’t trying, but that his body can’t give him the level of performance that we expect every night.

This guy was still the Rangers best player this season, and people still criticize him. Hes freaken 36 years old now. Anyone who followed the Rangers closely (so that excludes bandwagoners and people who remember him from Pittsburgh/Washington) know that hes been a great Captain for the team and has revitalized the franchise.

I remember all those cries to give Shanny the captaincy… I bet the Rangers would be in turmoil right now if Shanny was the captain because he can’t give even close to the level of performance that Jagr gives (and thats not a slight on Jagr, but the stupidity of the media).

Even two nights ago TSN was picking on Jagr after Jagr gave probably his most inspirational and philosophical talk to the media in his tenure as Captain. He also went in front of the room before Game 4 and also talked to them about similar stuff. And look at the result, a WIN. And after the game, who is the first guy that Jagr goes to? Chris Drury, for playing with a tough injury. Now thats how you get your guys to rally around you.

His quotes are just so taken out of context. Jagr likes to joke around with the media. If you watch the interviews he does, he always is getting the reporters around him laughing. And then some hack of a reporter reads the quotes and totally misinterprets what he said.

I just think perception rules everything. Once people had the perception that Jagr was a European Slimeball in their head, thats the only light they have viewed his actions in. Even though he probably has been the most valuable Captain to their team throughout the last 4 playoff series that the Rangers have played in.

Posted by bcrt on 05/02/08 at 05:04 PM ET

correction: I meant to say “thats not a slight on Shanny” instead of “thats not a slight on Jagr”

Posted by bcrt on 05/02/08 at 05:05 PM ET

I’d just like to second bcrt’s sentiments.  Those of us who have followed the Rangers closely haven’t had anything to complain about him since he’s been here (except maybe the attempted punch on Gomez that separated his shoulder...but hey, he was trying to be tough).  Yeah, he might not have put up big points this year, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.  His influence on the team is not just in his play on the ice, but also in the way the kids play...just look at Dubinsky and Staal.  He spent time after practices working with them and they’ve been major contributors this year.  Dubinsky has even said he hopes Jagr comes back next year, from a “selfish” point of view, because Jagr’s helped him so much. 

One thing I love about Jagr is that he’s more honest than some other stars, even to his detriment.  He says what he means, even if it’s not the PC thing to say, such as why he doesn’t go in the top 3 in shootouts.  He might make perfect sense, but since what he says isn’t the Messier/Shanahan/politician thing to say, he gets blasted for it.  But I love it.  He’s so much more interesting than the cliché-spewing stars that dominate the league, and when he’s on his game, like he has been for over a month, he’s great to watch.  I hope he comes back next year.

Posted by K24 from NYC on 05/02/08 at 09:52 PM ET

Only One player was able to stop him, Chris Therien

Posted by FlyersFan on 05/02/08 at 11:16 PM ET