Yes, you're allowed to have your opinion. I'm allowed to question it, especially when it's based on nothing but a lack of information, which we as fans almost always lack.
Do I belive he should have been there? Did you read what I wrote? I know nothing of why he wasn't there. I don't believe he should or shouldn't have at all because I lack every single possible relevant detail as to what might have led to him not being there.
What circumstances could possibly be legitimate? Geez, I don't know, a million things - maybe a family member or close friend is sick, maybe a family member or close friend died, maybe he himself has an injury that would be exacerbated by skating today, maybe he has the runs, maybe he's got any number of possible problems that would lead AV to telling him not to come to practice today. You're talking as if they got blown out 10 - 0 in a pivotal game against a crap opponent. They barely lost a close game 1 to another good team. Until the last second, the only goal they let in was an OV PP shot. This isn't the end of the world. If anything, I'd hope a leader on NYR isn't so easily rattled that barely losing game 1 sends them into a panic and forces them to go to a practice that the coach doesn't think they need to, or should, be at.
The point was whether barring any of those excuses, you would think he should've been there.
But I'm kinda done discussing the point with you, since I find the concept a bit ridiculous that you think it means he would've been rattled and unleaderlike to have been there, or that it's considered panicking; my assessment that he should've been after last night. So obviously, I know there's no getting through to you.
And no, we have no info. But the expectation is that he'd be there. It's ok to default to thinking that he should've been, and continuing to hold that view until something comes out to show otherwise; as opposed to the other way around.
And every other damn Ranger was there, so stop acting like it was just some loosely held come if ya want, whatever type practice. Every other Ranger was there. So yes, I expected him there too. No, it isn't a big deal in the slightest that I hold that view. Why you're acting like it's so inappropriate of me to hold that view is a bit astounding to me.
It's just a simple opinion. No, it's not panicking to think that this team needs the leadership to step up right now. He's the Captain, which puts him at the top of that list. And no, it's doesn't have to be some blowout 10-0 game in order to believe the leadership needs to focus the ship. Not one bit.
But he ****ed up big last night. I think it was important for him to come back today and set the right tone, leading into tomorrow.
But whatever. I've wasted far more time on a really don't give all that much a **** of a topic anyway, and the points have been made (and I'm sure plenty here agree he should've been there, barring a death in the family or substantial injury). He wasn't. Not the end of the world, just simply something I noticed, and was disappointed with. Big friggin deal. Time to move on.
