borro, I told you what I know about Bourque, don't make me go there again...since I apparently hurt some people's feelings. I HAVE seen him play at BU. Just because he's not playing for Washington yet, doesn't mean he's not playing somewhere...is that a concept you're having trouble with?
...as for the "mountains of evidence", I don't believe I disputed his ability [although I certainly don't think it's worth even half of the hype], it's his character I have a problem with...and I have already told you what his teammates at the WJC evaluation camp thought of him....and what several of them think of him at BU - again, you certainly have no motive to believe a thing I say, so by all means...carry on with your love fest of Bourque.
As for Bobby Ryan, again...it's about the character and not about the skill. I have already agreed with the comments regarding his sniper activities. And regarding his character, I don't care about his "issues". Having seen what comments regarding his personal life have cost a buddy of mine, I don't want to tread on things that are of no business to the public...even for Bobby Ryan. [But, having said that,,,Bobby was a bystander and not a recipient. If you think for a second it's a "similar type of situation" to O'Sullivan's, then I can't help you.]
Bobby Ryan's attitude on the ice has nothing to do with his childhood issues. They have to do with deciding whether or not he wants to be a team player. Apparently he'd rather be a glory hound. That's fine for now....but from a player's perspective that kind of thing has a way of keeping your teammates at armslength. It may not cost him a goal...but it WILL keep him from being the player that he could be, without the total support of his team. If he learns something this season, then I'll be hoping the best for him....but until he gets his big ego to shrink down to a normal size - the boys won't be standing in line to encourage him when the scoring slump inevitably occurs.
as one of the boys said: "I want to win, but I want the TEAM to win. If I wanted to win all by myself, I'd be playing tennis."
Bourque and Ryan, IMO, both need a few lessons on how to win over their teammates, before they start trying to pot game winning goals....cuz, uhhh....without his team, a hockey boy may just as well be playing tennis - it may be fun for a bit, but it's lonely in the winner's circle. The greatest thing about being a part of a hockey club, is that you're a part of something bigger than yourself. Unless they change their self-centered thinking, they'll miss out on the best parts of the game.