Quote:
Originally Posted by SmoggyFlamesFan
What you may see as a distraction, I see as motivation to rally behind. It would be a huge emotional boost to the fan base and the team. Glass half full vs half empty.
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So how do you feel about having to carry dead weight at your job? How do you feel when you knock your dick into the dirt and some guy that's been around forever gets to slide, just because they've been around forever? That ever get on your nerves? Or how about when management brings in some dufus who is a friend of someone and doesn't contribute like everyone else, but they get all the attention, because of whose friend they are? That ever piss you off?
I've never been a fan of the "mascot" player. It isn't a motivator. After high school, this #### is garbage. Sure, you feel good for Rudy, but you aren't playing the game for him. You sure as hell hate it when someone focuses on Rudy and you're bleeding out there for your team, while Rudy is on the bench doing nothing or playing sheltered minutes. Respect the players who are out there killing themselves and provide them supporting players who will give the team the best chance to win, not give the fans some warm and fuzzy. No one is going to play any harder because Iginla is on the roster, but they are going to resent the #### out of being asked questions about a player on the margins of the roster when they are the guys carrying the load and not getting the respect they deserve.
Anyone who thinks the guys from the '89 Flames were playing for McDonald, and not for fulfilling their personal dreams of winning a Stanley Cup is absolutely delusional. McDonald was a great media story, and nice for the team, but none of those players were thinking about Lanny when they were battling along the boards or fighting to score a goal. When asked after winning the Conn Smythe, Al MacInnis didn't say "Lanny's going to Disneyland!" No one is going to give a shot about Iginla when it comes down to game seven and overtime is on the line. This is their shot at immortality. They'll play for themselves and the guys who helped them get there, not a late addition who is a hanger on.