My Final Thoughts
...on the Ron Francis matter, and then I'll shut up:
- Ron's constantly saying he would stay here and that if it weren't for his having two Stanley Cups his bags would be packed, but then turning around and going for the third cup is indeed frustrating. And it's not just for the fans...you get the very impression from Jim Rutherford's press conference yesterday AND comments from players in today's N&O that it was just as, if not more shocking for them. And in that regard, it'll be interesting to see how the Canes will play against the Bolts tonight.
- While I'm still a little irritated with Ron and his frequently saying he would stay here, he does have a right to make last minute decisions. It's only human to do such a thing. And like it or not, I think it was a very classy move by JR to cater to what may or may not be Ronnie's final wishes for his career as a player.
- I also understand why Ronnie made the decision he did...the Canes most likely won't be going for the Cup this season. And more than likely next season, be it because of the CBA crap and/or the rebuilding phase the team is heading towards (and actually, already in). With the uncertainty of the state of hockey up in the air and all, can you *really* blame Ronnie for wanting to end his great career on a high note? I can't. Also, I don't see how that's Primeaudonna-ish, as a few at FanHome have rudely stated. It was not like Ronnie whined his way off the Canes and to the Leafs. He was just given an offer, and he took it. Me thinks this Primeaudonna talk wouldn't be if Ronnie had gone to a team other than the Leafs.
- I have said I would cheer just for Ronnie (along with Gary Roberts)...but the more I think about it, comments like the Primeaudonna BS are making me consider otherwise. And it's not just those comments...yesterday, I joked at LetsGoCanes about how Danny Markov's being a Flyer was the reason for his getting more game misconducts lately. Well, not surprisingly, a Caniac who's also a HUGE Philly fan piped up and said that at least he cheered for a team with cajones and team spirit and such. This came right before the Ronnie trade happened...could it be that the trade is fate's way of giving me a team with "cajones" to cheer for? I can't help but wonder and feel that way after all the hateful words I've read directed at Ronnie for just going to his favorite childhood team for just two or three months. So with that said, and at the risk of losing a few readers...
GO LEAFS GO!
Get a grip. It's just three words and for two-three months. After all Ronnie has done for hockey AND the community here in Raleigh and NC, he only deserves what he wants for his playing career's end...along with the support of fans, regardless of their being for the Whalers/Canes, Pens, or Leafs. So please, let's quit comparing apples (Ronnie) and oranges (Primeau), and give Ronnie a well deserved sendoff and well-wishing for the Cup.
Edit: And for those of you who survived that...this and this are your rewards. Hopefully, they will make you feel mmm mmm better. ;)
...on the Ron Francis matter, and then I'll shut up:
- Ron's constantly saying he would stay here and that if it weren't for his having two Stanley Cups his bags would be packed, but then turning around and going for the third cup is indeed frustrating. And it's not just for the fans...you get the very impression from Jim Rutherford's press conference yesterday AND comments from players in today's N&O that it was just as, if not more shocking for them. And in that regard, it'll be interesting to see how the Canes will play against the Bolts tonight.
- While I'm still a little irritated with Ron and his frequently saying he would stay here, he does have a right to make last minute decisions. It's only human to do such a thing. And like it or not, I think it was a very classy move by JR to cater to what may or may not be Ronnie's final wishes for his career as a player.
- I also understand why Ronnie made the decision he did...the Canes most likely won't be going for the Cup this season. And more than likely next season, be it because of the CBA crap and/or the rebuilding phase the team is heading towards (and actually, already in). With the uncertainty of the state of hockey up in the air and all, can you *really* blame Ronnie for wanting to end his great career on a high note? I can't. Also, I don't see how that's Primeaudonna-ish, as a few at FanHome have rudely stated. It was not like Ronnie whined his way off the Canes and to the Leafs. He was just given an offer, and he took it. Me thinks this Primeaudonna talk wouldn't be if Ronnie had gone to a team other than the Leafs.
- I have said I would cheer just for Ronnie (along with Gary Roberts)...but the more I think about it, comments like the Primeaudonna BS are making me consider otherwise. And it's not just those comments...yesterday, I joked at LetsGoCanes about how Danny Markov's being a Flyer was the reason for his getting more game misconducts lately. Well, not surprisingly, a Caniac who's also a HUGE Philly fan piped up and said that at least he cheered for a team with cajones and team spirit and such. This came right before the Ronnie trade happened...could it be that the trade is fate's way of giving me a team with "cajones" to cheer for? I can't help but wonder and feel that way after all the hateful words I've read directed at Ronnie for just going to his favorite childhood team for just two or three months. So with that said, and at the risk of losing a few readers...
GO LEAFS GO!
Get a grip. It's just three words and for two-three months. After all Ronnie has done for hockey AND the community here in Raleigh and NC, he only deserves what he wants for his playing career's end...along with the support of fans, regardless of their being for the Whalers/Canes, Pens, or Leafs. So please, let's quit comparing apples (Ronnie) and oranges (Primeau), and give Ronnie a well deserved sendoff and well-wishing for the Cup.
Edit: And for those of you who survived that...this and this are your rewards. Hopefully, they will make you feel mmm mmm better. ;)
posted by Stormbringer at 3/10/2004 10:16:00 AM
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