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Rangers Face a 3-0 Series Deficit and the Possibility of Losing Jagr
The New York Rangers are faced with pressures such as Sean Avery injury, the steep odds against a comeback from a 3-0 series deficit to the Penguins and whether or not it is Jaromir Jagr’s last stand in New York.
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May 1, 2008 (FPRC) -- Jaromir Jagr came to the Rangers in a trade in 2004. He became the leader of the team’s source of revival after the lockout. After 3 consecutive playoff appearances, contract expires at the end of the season. Jagr wants out of the Rangers, although the team seems to want to bring him back. Jagr wants to play offensive hockey again.
After the Rangers dropped to 3-0, questions surfaced about the series deficit as well as whether or not the end is near for Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr. Jagr has become a dominant force again for the Rangers and Game 3 was a prime example, despite the Rangers’ loss. He scored a goal, took 10 shots and set up his teammates for countless more. Nevertheless, there are many reasons to believe that Jagr is done if the Rangers can't extend their series against the Penguins.
“He’s our best player, there’s no doubt about it,” said Brandon Dubinsky. “He’s helped me personally. I guess that’s kind of a selfish standpoint. I think the team would feel the same way, how important a guy like that is to not only the dynamic of our team in the dressing room, but he’s shown the last part of the season and in the playoffs how dominating he still is at this level.”
There is speculation that he will play in Russia next year. He also may decide to stay in the NHL, but perhaps on a team with a more open offensive system. Even though Jagr is 36 years old, he doesn't think age is important if you work hard saying, "If you do a lot for the game, it doesn't matter how old you are. The hard work always overcomes everything. Maybe not the injuries, but everything else.”
Jagr won Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992 and came within 2 points of winning a 6th scoring title in 2005-06. He led the Rangers to the playoffs in 3 consecutive post-lockout seasons. He's been their best player this season and he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Jagr may still be back if he doesn't find what he is looking for with another NHL team. The Rangers probably will not bring back Brendan Shanahan or Martin Straka to a team looking to get younger. However, there is no doubt that the Rangers still believe in Jagr. It is a matter of whether Jagr believes in the Ranger.
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