[MolsonInBothHands]

High level hockey players are used to having criticism, constructive or not, barked at them in a variety of ways, some good, some not, since they decided to try out for their first competitive league. When the players turn pro, they become part of an organization that is in the business of entertainment. Public criticism is as much a part of the job as public accolades. Sven said himself, he wants to become the face of the franchise. Do you think he would like to take a mulligan on that statement? Hockey players have to have a thick skin to succeed in the NHL, and I am sure Burke did not cause Sven to curl into a fetal position and suck his thumb.

I am not even much of a Burke fan, but I think some are way overreacting to his comments yesterday. They were in direct response to a question (was that staged?, maybe), and he said he was NOT ready to give up on the kid, and that he has seen many kids overcome this and become great players.

Sven has probably heard all off this many times, and I personally doubt he is resisting these directives near as much as he saw his former captain resist them. This message was meant for the fans to hear. Expectations have been far beyond reasonable for him. This was meant to take pressure off of Sven, to prod him to learn all facets of the game, instead of putting unreasonable pressure to carry the burden of the offensive output for the team. IMHO.