Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
Personally, I feel that nostalgia and Lanny's legendary status in Calgary inflates his value as a captain. From what I recall, he was named co-captain, and then had it removed at some point, before being given the co-captaincy again out of respect the year they won the Cup recognizing that it might be his last season. In fact, I think he was scratched in a few of the games of the final series against Montreal. Not something that you would do with your captain if their leadership was critical at that time.
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I'm sure that if you asked Pepper and Hunter they would tell you Lanny was the real captain, the face of the franchise, the team's inspiration and its heart and soul. The fact of him being scratched at times during the season and playoffs is irrelevant. So were Pepper and Hunter. Lanny was definitely slowing down by then and giving him time off for maintenance made him a more effective player. It had nothing to do with his leadership abilities. The co-captaincy arrangement was more about having someone out there with the C when Lanny was shut down for maintenance. Lanny inspired a kind of loyalty and unity that no one else came close to for at least another 25 years.