First let's be clear, Jaromir Jagr did not seek the press to send a message about his will and determination; he wanted to work out and not talk to the media.
But he did---upon request---and took a stand befitting a captain.
As he indicated earlier in the season in private moments after games or practices, his lack of production is eating him up.
Early yesterday evening, in an indication that perhaps his shoulder is stronger and his confidence is returning, the mercurial Czech superstar seemed to grab the brakes of the Rangers'downbound train, and say, as the engineer, it's my job to turn it around before it careens off the tracks.
Maybe he was hurt by Brendan Shanahan's critique after the 3-1 loss to the Thrashers that questioned the power play and the East-West style.
Maybe Jagr, a proud player who respects the game, the Rangers and his place in the sport as an acolyte of Mario Lemieux and the finest player in his home country, realized he has to step up and do whatever it takes to set an example and drag this team to the playoffs this season.
Maybe Jagr looked inward and found some revelation, namely, that he simply has to score key goals in this stretch run.
But enough psychoanalysis: We report. You decide.
Here's pretty much unedited Jagr from the dresssing room, with only a few players around:
" I tried to work out every day (during the All-Star break) ....Maybe it’s not going to show right away. But I feel like because I started to do something, the body got used to it. And even if we’re going to play, I can continue to work out the same way---my body is going to get used to it, I think.”
When asked if he could have a sustained offensive push, he said, " You have to believe…I’m truly hopeful. I can promise you I’m going to do everything for that.”
“I don’t want to talk about it, but I truly believe something huge is going to happen...with me. That’s my hope. And obviously, if something happens with me, it’s going to help the team for sure....When you’re the top guy and the captain, if you do well, the team does well. And I understand it’s a team game. But when the game is on the line, individuals have to make the difference...If you want to be the special guy, you have to have those special moments. That’s what I play for. That’s what I live for."
“I don’t play good, the team doesn’t play good. That’s the way it is. I’m not saying I’m the team... I spend a lot of time on the ice. The coach gives me the things I need. I have to be the guy...No question about it.”
A born-again Jagr?
Can you say Hallelujah?
Should be intriguing to witness....
Comments (1)
I'll start by saying I've been concerned w/ the inflexible PP's lack of adapting to team PK methods and that was falling to Jagr and Renney in my mind. BUT, I love what JJ said there and when he's confident and on a mission, he is a force on the ice.