A lot of things come up for me reading that piece by McDonagh. Here are the highlights:
1) A very heartfelt sentiment delivered by Mac. I loved reading it.
2) Typically when a player gets traded he tells you how much he'll miss his former team but then goes on to say how excited he is to play for his new team. I didn't read any of that and I found that incredibly interesting. I specifically remember Stepan being interviewed about Phoenix and him saying that NY hold a lot of good memories for him but that his focus was on his new team. I mean, he said he played for the greatest fans in the world, in the greatest arena in the world, etc. What about Tampa's Fans, arena, etc? Haha. I mean, McD is all class and I know that article was for us... but still.
3) I kinda miss the 80s when we weren't AS emotionally invested in the players. What I mean is, with social media being what it is, we have so much more access to players' personal lives and I'm not sure how I feel about that. When I was a kid I had posters on my wall of all my favorite players. I was okay with not knowing everything about them. I didn't assume they were members of the clergy and I was okay with that. They were regular dudes playing a children's game. They were my heroes. And when Tomas Sandstrom went to the Kings I was not a happy camper, believe me. I loved that dude. But I wasn't getting misty-eyed either. It just sucked. When I read McDonagh's piece I literally felt a pit in my stomach. This guy loved NY. He loved playing for the NY Rangers. He loved being the captain. He loved the fans. Well, at least that's what he says in his article, but I believe him 100%.
4) Once again I'm dating myself but in the 80s I felt like a team could suck and it was 'ok'. The 'lovable losers' so to speak. The Cubbies. The Red SAWX. Take your pick. But I felt like the fans were a lot more understanding back then. They stuck with a team through thick and thin and didn't call for everyone's head all the time. You loved what you had (or at least you tried to). I'm not saying we were free of criticism. God no. But you kinda loved hating on them (see: Barry Beck). I just feel like expectations have changed a lot and that people are a lot more demanding (in general, not just in sports). I have a lot to say about that but since this is such a long post I doubt anyone will even read it, haha.
5) This core of players gave us a lot of great memories. It sucks that we never won the Cup but man did they give me a lot to cheer about. I suppose seeing McD get traded really hit home. It really did signify 'the end'. I think THAT was what hit me the hardest. Saying goodbye to a player is one thing. Saying goodbye to a time of your life is another. Sure, Staal may stick around but the team that got us to the Cup is all but gone.
6) It's a new beginning and I'm really excited about it! Young players to watch! Future stars in the making (hopefully)! Guys who are hungry and leave it out on the ice every night. The future is bright and you don't gotta wear shades.
That's all. I know it was a lot but that article stirred up a lot of crap. Thanks for reading.