Each fan has the right to their opinion, though it's not one everyone will agree with. Marty wanted out in general and asked for NY because it was close to his home in Greenwich. I don't think it was because of the "awesomeness" of the Rangers, even though each fanbase thinks their team is awesome.
- airjan23

Great piece over at Puck Daddy --> http://sports.yahoo.com/b...erfeed&utm_medium=twitter
- Michael_Stuart

Was just about to link this one

So we still have a shot at the McDavid sweeps with your first round pick?
- tpd11

A Tampa win tonight would help.

Biased much The column depends on your view of the situation, but five minutes in, this all will be moot.
- airjan23

There is no "view" of the situation. Seriously this narrative is ridiculous. He was the captain of the team yet abruptly and without clearly stating his reasoning requested a trade. He was the captain, heart and soul, beloved in the community etc etc etc. By asking for the trade in such a manner went against all of the reasons he had become the face of the franchise through all of the years.

I have asked other Ranger fans who want to criticize us so I will ask you as well.

If a Brian Leetch or someone who meant that much to the Rangers organization and the fans abruptly pulled a stunt like this with no "playoff" or "cup run" reasoning behind it, you and most if not all Rag fans would be asking for his head on a stake. To say otherwise is purely ignorant and ignores NY's history with players who don't leave on the acceptable terms

Each fan has the right to their opinion, though it's not one everyone will agree with. Marty wanted out in general and asked for NY because it was close to his home in Greenwich. I don't think it was because of the "awesomeness" of the Rangers, even though each fanbase thinks their team is awesome.
- airjan23

So he HAD to be closer to his Greenwich home right then? Look we're not discounting the fact that he wanted to go "home", but there was a time and place that that could have been done correctly. At the trade deadline when the team you captain is in prime playoff position does not apply to the "correct" timing.

There is no "view" of the situation. Seriously this narrative is ridiculous. He was the captain of the team yet abruptly and without clearly stating his reasoning requested a trade. He was the captain, heart and soul, beloved in the community etc etc etc. By asking for the trade in such a manner went against all of the reasons he had become the face of the franchise through all of the years.

I have asked other Ranger fans who want to criticize us so I will ask you as well.

If a Brian Leetch or someone who meant that much to the Rangers organization and the fans abruptly pulled a stunt like this with no "playoff" or "cup run" reasoning behind it, you and most if not all Rag fans would be asking for his head on a stake. To say otherwise is purely ignorant and ignores NY's history with players who don't leave on the acceptable terms
- uf1910

Well said. I like the bolded part.

There is no "view" of the situation. Seriously this narrative is ridiculous. He was the captain of the team yet abruptly and without clearly stating his reasoning requested a trade. He was the captain, heart and soul, beloved in the community etc etc etc. By asking for the trade in such a manner went against all of the reasons he had become the face of the franchise through all of the years.

I have asked other Ranger fans who want to criticize us so I will ask you as well.

If a Brian Leetch or someone who meant that much to the Rangers organization and the fans abruptly pulled a stunt like this with no "playoff" or "cup run" reasoning behind it, you and most if not all Rag fans would be asking for his head on a stake. To say otherwise is purely ignorant and ignores NY's history with players who don't leave on the acceptable terms
- uf1910

I dont know if you could say NY's history? That seems to be unnecessarily derogatory imo. That goes for anywhere. If he did that in Columbus or calgary theyd be calling for his head on a stake.

So he HAD to be closer to his Greenwich home right then? Look we're not discounting the fact that he wanted to go "home", but there was a time and place that that could have been done correctly. At the trade deadline when the team you captain is in prime playoff position does not apply to the "correct" timing.
- uf1910

No arguments that the manner in which it was handled was less than optimal and distatement. Unfortuntaley, the one piece we don't have major clarity on is for how long had he been asking out and were the Olympics just the topper to push him over the line.

If Leetch had done the same thing, we would be up in arms. That said, I would have cheered his contributions, especially landing the team a Cup and booed him like heck the rest of the game.

There is no "view" of the situation. Seriously this narrative is ridiculous. He was the captain of the team yet abruptly and without clearly stating his reasoning requested a trade. He was the captain, heart and soul, beloved in the community etc etc etc. By asking for the trade in such a manner went against all of the reasons he had become the face of the franchise through all of the years.

I have asked other Ranger fans who want to criticize us so I will ask you as well.

If a Brian Leetch or someone who meant that much to the Rangers organization and the fans abruptly pulled a stunt like this with no "playoff" or "cup run" reasoning behind it, you and most if not all Rag fans would be asking for his head on a stake. To say otherwise is purely ignorant and ignores NY's history with players who don't leave on the acceptable terms
- uf1910

Also, I am not criticizing you, just giving mine how I would handle it. Each fan has to determine their own reaction to it. Just saying, I hope what he did for the team is balanced against the distateful manner in which he left.

I dont know if you could say NY's history? That seems to be unnecessarily derogatory imo. That goes for anywhere. If he did that in Columbus or calgary theyd be calling for his head on a stake.
- Cptmjl

Wasn't meant to be derogatory, was just an observation over the years regarding NY fans and how they treat those who leave under less than ideal conditions. Just recently Cano was boo'd b/c he left for the $. I mean lets face facts here, NY has a history of booing their current players who aren't performing up to their standards so it's not exacly going on a limb expecting they would do the same IF someone leaves under poor conditions. NY isn't alone in that so I'm not trying to single them out, most if not all other cities would do the same. YET Tampa fans are being criticized. Thus why I keep asking any and all who criticize to put themselves in the exact same situation while fully knowing what their response would be. You have done the same and for that you deserve a

No arguments that the manner in which it was handled was less than optimal and distatement. Unfortuntaley, the one piece we don't have major clarity on is for how long had he been asking out and were the Olympics just the topper to push him over the line.

If Leetch had done the same thing, we would be up in arms. That said, I would have cheered his contributions, especially landing the team a Cup and booed him like heck the rest of the game.
- airjan23

I expect his reaction to be mixed during his tribute. I for one will give him applause b/c I was there for the majority of his games including the cup and truly recognize what he meant to this franchise and this community. Once the game starts all of that is gone (by his choice) and he enters into Chara and Ovechkin category on the boo list.

Assuming the Olympic decision was some part of the reasoning, that just makes the entire situation worse IMO. Yzerman was clear in stating that the decision making process was by the group. Sure he could have been dictator and overruled but that wasn't how he handled the entire process and for Marty or anyone else to expect him to abruptly change that style for one doesn't understand how Yzerman goes about his business and secondly is criticizing a successful process that brought Team Canada 2 straight gold medals. Ask any Lightning fan and we all wanted Marty on that team and felt he should have been there, however for whatever reason(s) the coaches and other selection officials didn't agree. But by using that as part or most of his reasoning he is pointing the blame squarely at Yzerman and in the process walked out on his TAMPA teammates and community for something that had nothing to do with this team.

Wasn't meant to be derogatory, was just an observation over the years regarding NY fans and how they treat those who leave under less than ideal conditions. Just recently Cano was boo'd b/c he left for the $. I mean lets face facts here, NY has a history of booing their current players who aren't performing up to their standards so it's not exacly going on a limb expecting they would do the same IF someone leaves under poor conditions. NY isn't alone in that so I'm not trying to single them out, most if not all other cities would do the same. YET Tampa fans are being criticized. Thus why I keep asking any and all who criticize to put themselves in the exact same situation while fully knowing what their response would be. You have done the same and for that you deserve a
- uf1910

Well to be fair if you look back I am the one that sort of pushed this train. The blog and the chat was about the return of MSL and I asked for understanding on the resentment towards him. The intent was not to criticize Tampa fans in the least. I honestly just wanted fans' perspective. I never knew John Elway was a wife beating, alcoholic, a-hole until I visited Denver. I thought maybe there was more to this story with MSL that I was missing.

I don't think the majority of people are critical of Bolts fans for being upset with MSL. I think more than anything it is just becoming clear that no one really knows why MSL decided to leave and what might have prompted it to be at that particular time. As someone said, the apparent move of "ditching during a playoff push when you are the leader" goes against everything in his character that made him loved in the first place. Since none of us knows what was going on behind closed doors it still seems unfair to me to hate the guy for his decision without all the facts.

All that said, the fans have their right to cheer or boo as they please. Tickets are expensive enough that we have all paid dearly for the opportunity.

No arguments that the manner in which it was handled was less than optimal and distatement. Unfortuntaley, the one piece we don't have major clarity on is for how long had he been asking out and were the Olympics just the topper to push him over the line.

If Leetch had done the same thing, we would be up in arms. That said, I would have cheered his contributions, especially landing the team a Cup and booed him like heck the rest of the game.
- airjan23

Well I've seen a lot of people say he's been asking out since 2009 but how does this make sense when he signed an extension in 2011? Again, I have a decent "relationship" with most of your thread and I'm here due to more there being a slow day on my thread so far and not to stir the shat but I don't understand how someone can so completely defend MSL in this situation? I can appreciate the loyalty to someone who dons the sweater but it seems a bit blind. I'm not saying you are in any way doing this of course but what does it matter if it were Bcs of the Olympics or otherwise? Seems completely irrelevant to me. No matter how you slice it he handled it completely horribly no matter what he did for the team in the past and let's not forget what that team did for him.


If it weren't for Tampa MSL could very well be playing in the afghanastani league right now. I don't see the urgency to hurry up and bail like he did albeit like everyone else I have no knowledge of the actual reason? Team captain, team that gave him a shot when no one else would, helped make him who he is today, etc. this all seems to be lost in what he did for them for some reason? Don't forget without Tampa there's probably no MSL as we know him today. The guy left them at a time when he was needed in a big way. No dramatics here it's plain as day. I can't understand how Tampa fans having a gripe or booing is even a debate? I know if he were an islander I'd boo him out of the building if he did what he did and I'd bet every penny I have the garden would be deafening with the boos raining down on him. I think the "why can't you just appreciate him for what he did crowd" are the biggest bunch of hypocrites I've heard since penguins fans calling other teams dirty. Those guys would be the ones throwing beers on the ice during his tribute

Well I've seen a lot of people say he's been asking out since 2009 but how does this make sense when he signed an extension in 2011? Again, I have a decent "relationship" with most of your thread and I'm here due to more there being a slow day on my thread so far and not to stir the shat but I don't understand how someone can so completely defend MSL in this situation? I can appreciate the loyalty to someone who dons the sweater but it seems a bit blind. I'm not saying you are in any way doing this of course but what does it matter if it were Bcs of the Olympics or otherwise? Seems completely irrelevant to me. No matter how you slice it he handled it completely horribly no matter what he did for the team in the past and let's not forget what that team did for him.


If it weren't for Tampa MSL could very well be playing in the afghanastani league right now. I don't see the urgency to hurry up and bail like he did albeit like everyone else I have no knowledge of the actual reason? Team captain, team that gave him a shot when no one else would, helped make him who he is today, etc. this all seems to be lost in what he did for them for some reason when without Tampa there's probably no MSL as we know him today to begin with. The guy left them at a time when he was needed in a big way. No dramatics here it's plain as day. I can't understand how Tampa fans having a gripe or booing is even a debate? I know if he were an islander I'd boo him out of the building if he did what he did and I'd bet every penny I have the garden would be deafening with the boos raining down on him. I think the "why can't you just appreciate him for what he did crowd" are the biggest bunch of hypocrites I've heard since penguins fans calling other teams dirty. Those guys would be the ones throwing beers on the ice during his tribute
- Cptmjl

I am one of those that is over it. He left, we got a great return and we never missed a beat. I say again, cheer him before the game and boo him during.

I am one of those that is over it. He left, we got a great return and we never missed a beat. I say again, cheer him before the game and boo him during.
- Artyukhin76

I hear you. You have really taken it down a notch good for you . After tonight it's probably a mute subject for the most part from fans on both sides I'd guess. The trade had its benefits for both clubs. They were having troubles getting cally signed and MSL wanted out and most Importantly we got a damn good prospect out of it

Well I've seen a lot of people say he's been asking out since 2009 but how does this make sense when he signed an extension in 2011? Again, I have a decent "relationship" with most of your thread and I'm here due to more there being a slow day on my thread so far and not to stir the shat but I don't understand how someone can so completely defend MSL in this situation? I can appreciate the loyalty to someone who dons the sweater but it seems a bit blind. I'm not saying you are in any way doing this of course but what does it matter if it were Bcs of the Olympics or otherwise? Seems completely irrelevant to me. No matter how you slice it he handled it completely horribly no matter what he did for the team in the past and let's not forget what that team did for him.


If it weren't for Tampa MSL could very well be playing in the afghanastani league right now. I don't see the urgency to hurry up and bail like he did albeit like everyone else I have no knowledge of the actual reason? Team captain, team that gave him a shot when no one else would, helped make him who he is today, etc. this all seems to be lost in what he did for them for some reason? Don't forget without Tampa there's probably no MSL as we know him today. The guy left them at a time when he was needed in a big way. No dramatics here it's plain as day. I can't understand how Tampa fans having a gripe or booing is even a debate? I know if he were an islander I'd boo him out of the building if he did what he did and I'd bet every penny I have the garden would be deafening with the boos raining down on him. I think the "why can't you just appreciate him for what he did crowd" are the biggest bunch of hypocrites I've heard since penguins fans calling other teams dirty. Those guys would be the ones throwing beers on the ice during his tribute
- Cptmjl

So have we beaten this story to death now? Time to talk about the game. I'm sure the Rags want payback for 10 days ago. They shutout a struggling Flyer team and a tired Hab team the night after the Bruins so they have to be feeling confident. Too bad time to keep the foot on the gas we play them twice in the next week. Bolts 4-2.

So have we beaten this story to death now? Time to talk about the game. I'm sure the Rags want payback for 10 days ago. They shutout a struggling Flyer team and a tired Hab team the night after the Bruins so they have to be feeling confident. Too bad time to keep the foot on the gas we play them twice in the next week. Bolts 4-2.
- tpd11

I wish there were a way you could both lose tonight.

I hear you. You have really taken it down a notch good for you . After tonight it's probably a mute subject for the most part from fans on both sides I'd guess. The trade had its benefits for both clubs. They were having troubles getting cally signed and MSL wanted out and most Importantly we got a damn good prospect out of it
- Cptmjl

Ho-sang is a talented kid.

I wish there were a way you could both lose tonight.
- Cptmjl

Ho-sang is a talented kid.
- Artyukhin76

High risk very high reward pick. Good late first in a not very deep draft imo. Theyre going to have to find a way to pull the reigns back and harness his energybut I'm happy we drafted him.

High risk very high reward pick. Good late first in a not very deep draft imo. Theyre going to have to find a way to pull the reigns back and harness his energybut I'm happy we drafted him.
- Cptmjl

The same with DeAngelo. He's a wickedly talented defenseman, but he's got a temper on him.

You can't say he quit on the team. He played hard every night despite the leaked rumors and would've continued to play hard every night had there been no deal.
- rangerdanger94

No, he literally quit on the team , I can fully 100% say that

Have I forgotten the years ? No . Not at all , will I get over it ? Yeah for sure . In his first game back he deserves to hear that he hurt the fan base and organization by quitting in the team , after he returns for a 2nd time and every time after ? I'd think it would be mostly cheers , but he needs to know

It wasn't that he quit that really upset me it's how he handled himself that threw me off the Marty wagon , just awfully handled

I sincerely hope Gudas hip-checks MSL into retirement.

I am not taking away from MSL accomplishments as a player. His resume is truly impressive and he is future HOF material. No arguing any of that.

As a Lightning fan since day one, I through MSL was great when he played for us.

My problem (and likely others) is how and when he left the team. Playing for a sports team is playing for a corporation. Amongst other things, it's work and it's a business. We have all worked for arseholes and tools we disliked or possibly hated. We kept going at the job because it gave us a paycheck and we liked our coworkers. Under fire, we formed friendships and bonds with our coworkers. The arse manager would eventually go and get promoted or transferred. You ride out the wave and keep going. This is true for $15 an hour. It should certainly be true if you are getting paid millions of dollars per year.

I've worked for bigger tools than Steve Yzerman and got paid a lot less to do it. The fact the Stevie Y. snubbed Marty on the Olympic rosters is moot. Steve put together the best roster to give Canada the best chance to win - there is no favoritism or grudges there. Marty is a great player, but he didn't make the cut on a roster that was heavy with firepower.

What I do understand is Marty's desire to be closer to home and his family. If that had been the reason, then I would be fine with that. But, the timing was also a D**K MOVE. Right during the run-up to the playoffs when your top gun is injured? During the playoff chase, you decide to pack up and leave. Jump on the next flight out of town and screw the guys you have been working with for over a decade. That is what I have a problem with. That is not being a professional, that is being selfish.

MSL - great player, dangerous with the puck, never takes a night off, leaves it all out there on the ice, great veteran presence. Tool. Midget Selfish Tool. Deep down inside, there is a little bit of Sean Avery in MSL and that is what disappoints me.

I sincerely hope Gudas hip-checks MSL into retirement.

I am not taking away from MSL accomplishments as a player. His resume is truly impressive and he is future HOF material. No arguing any of that.

As a Lightning fan since day one, I through MSL was great when he played for us.

My problem (and likely others) is how and when he left the team. Playing for a sports team is playing for a corporation. Amongst other things, it's work and it's a business. We have all worked for arseholes and tools we disliked or possibly hated. We kept going at the job because it gave us a paycheck and we liked our coworkers. Under fire, we formed friendships and bonds with our coworkers. The arse manager would eventually go and get promoted or transferred. You ride out the wave and keep going. This is true for $15 an hour. It should certainly be true if you are getting paid millions of dollars per year.

I've worked for bigger tools than Steve Yzerman and got paid a lot less to do it. The fact the Stevie Y. snubbed Marty on the Olympic rosters is moot. Steve put together the best roster to give Canada the best chance to win - there is no favoritism or grudges there. Marty is a great player, but he didn't make the cut on a roster that was heavy with firepower.

What I do understand is Marty's desire to be closer to home and his family. If that had been the reason, then I would be fine with that. But, the timing was also a D**K MOVE. Right during the run-up to the playoffs when your top gun is injured? During the playoff chase, you decide to pack up and leave. Jump on the next flight out of town and screw the guys you have been working with for over a decade. That is what I have a problem with. That is not being a professional, that is being selfish.

MSL - great player, dangerous with the puck, never takes a night off, leaves it all out there on the ice, great veteran presence. Tool. Midget Selfish Tool. Deep down inside, there is a little bit of Sean Avery in MSL and that is what disappoints me.
- GalacticStone

Sean Avery inside of MSL? I knew about Avery but had no idea about marty? Cant wait for this blog.

Great piece over at Puck Daddy --> http://sports.yahoo.com/b...erfeed&utm_medium=twitter
- Michael_Stuart

Great piece because he shares the same stupidity, I could pass you on to a good piece by Brooks but why be bias, eh Michael?