Glen Sathers Cigar
Sather 4 Ever
http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com.../nash-its-definitely-going-to-be-special.html
Q. Are you dreading this or looking forward to it?
A. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a different situation. Most guys get traded and it seems like they’re right back there playing with their new team in a few weeks. For me, it’s been so long (since the trade) that it’s lost some of the feeling for me. What’s it been … a year and six months? A year and eight months? It’ll be fun to be back in Nationwide, for sure. It’s been so long since I’ve been there.
Q. What do you think the crowd response will be?
A. I’m sure there will be some of both. There will be some boos, but I’m sure there will be some cheers, too. I don’t know if this sounds bad or not, but I’m really excited that the Blue Jackets are doing well and they’re in a good spot (in the standings). The fans deserve it. They’ve been through a lot with 13 seasons and only four playoff games. They’re passionate. They love their hockey, and they deserve what they’re getting now. I always had a tight relationship with (founder) John H. McConnell, and it’s continued with (current majority owner) John P. (McConnell). It’s a good family. They’ve done so much for Columbus, and I’m happy to see them finally get some success out of the team they’ve put so much into.
Q. But you can’t also wish good fortune and good luck on another Metro team, can you? This is shaping up to be a pretty good rivalry, I would think, two pretty good teams.
A. Hey, they’ve got great goaltending. They’ve got guys who play the right way, work hard, follow the system … that’s a formula to a great team. Obviously, I want us (the Rangers) to have success in this league, playing in the playoffs and having a chance at the Stanley Cup. So when I say I want them to do well, I’m talking about for the sake of fans and ownership. At the end of the day (on Friday), the two points are up for grabs. That’s what they’re looking for, and what we’re looking for. No matter if it’s Philly or Washington or Columbus, we’re all bundled up and it’s the points you’re looking for.
Q. When you were in Columbus, you were the focal point of the franchise, even before you were named captain. What’s it feel like in New York now, where a lot of changes have been made to that team, too, in the last calendar year, with Marian Gaborik gone and just recently Ryan Callahan getting traded. How much pressure is back on you now?
A. I still have a lot of pressure. My whole career I’ll have pressure on myself no matter where I go. No matter where I play there will be pressure on me to produce. Here in New York, you know how it is. They expect a winning team, and when you’re hovering around a playoff spot, there’s definitely pressure on the team and on certain individuals, especially when you’re not producing the way you want to be. I enjoy the pressure. I like it. I was the face (of the franchise in Columbus) for so long, and had so much pressure, and I enjoyed it. I’ve played in three Olympics, had tons of pressure there. Now playing in New York City and playing for an Original 6 team, there’s pressure too. It’s just part of being a professional athlete.
Q. The Rangers don’t have a captain. Could you be line for another shot at that?
A. (laughs) Oh, no. They have a great defenseman here, Ryan McDonagh. He’s on a long-term deal. He’s one of the best defensemen in the league, one of the hardest guys to play against. I think he’s the leading candidate.
Q. Is that a job you’d even want? Really?
A. That’s a great question. Haven’t even thought about it. It’s a tough job. It’s not for everybody. I want to win. That’s all I want. If it’s me being the captain, then sure. But we have great candidates here with Marty St. Louis and Brad Richards … but I think Ryan is the true candidate and it’d be a great move for the organization.
