I hate the New Jersey Devils. To an extent, though common sensical to some (mostly other NY Rangers fans) often considered somewhat… unhinged. Though my reasons for such loathing are defensible, they are also numerous, so I will spare you the details of my admittedly maniacal disposition. My point? Imagine my surprise last night, when I leapt from my couch in joy after Scott Niedermayer scored the Duck’s overtime goal, bringing their series against Detroit to one apiece. I immediately sat back down, and questioned out loud, “Did I just applaud for Scott Niedermayer?”
That’s Scott Niedermayer…
Former Defenseman for the New Jersey Devils.
This brought about a few interesting inquiries, the most relevant of which is “How much significance does a player’s former team association have, specifically in your decision to root for a player once he has left set team?”
Needless to say, I felt slightly uncomfortable with the realization that I had just cheered a former Devil’s defenseman. This prompted me to consider how I felt about other former Devils once they left the leagues most droning and monotonous team since the NHL’s inception.
Bill Guerin- Traded to Edmonton for Jason Arnot in the 97-98 season. For me, Bill Guerin was the Devil you hated to hate. A smart player who wasn’t noticeably dirty, he also played for a few USA Hockey teams. Part of the reason I had been rooting for the Sharks this playoffs was because I had spotted Guerin on the roster.
Claude Lemieux- Total expletive. Dirty as he was efficient, the only blemish on a fantastically stacked Colorado Avalanche cup team. I enthusiastically rooted for the Av’s in 96, but a serious and potential career ending injury to Lemieux would have been well received.
Bobby Holik- Former Devil, eventual Ranger, current Thrasher. Following that same vein, my feelings on Holik went something like “detestation, indifference, and disgust”. Obvious disdain for when he wore the red and black, although he certainly wasn’t one of the most odious. When Johnny Damon game over from the Red Sox, I felt the familiar déjà vu of the Holik signing; contented to snub the rival, but realistic as to expectations. Bobby helped, but never really got comfortable. Watching him against the Rangers in this year’s playoffs, I saw an intensity which had only been duplicated while he played for New Jersey. This same intensity was inexplicably absent during his stint with the Rangers, hence the lack of a New York contract.
That brings us back to Niedermayer. Can I root for a Ducks team that proudly employ’s a former intricate piece of the New York Rangers’ bane? The answer is a resounding yes. My contempt is ultimately for the Devils organization, not for its former players. There are plenty of a-holes on the current roster to be the objects of my disparagement. Besides, Niedermayer is certainly no Scott Stevens, current front runner for Biggest Douche in the Universe Award. If he couldn’t beat the ever loving crap out of me, I’d totally kick his ass.
As for the game, no complaints here. A split two games in is always indicative of a great series, and there is still plenty of hockey left. Meanwhile, Buffalo has quite the task ahead of them in Ottawa. Will someone put out an APB on Buffalo Power Play?
“Goals are like insults, they don’t count unless they cross the line…”- Don Taylor
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3 comments:
Nice work. Your use of the word "douche" has made this an official blog. It wasn't an official blog until that word was used in a post.
How would you feel if Glen Sather made a free-agent offer to Scott Gomez this summer?
ooo, now THERE'S a good question...
Wouldn't surprise me if he changes coasts, though. Coyotes and Kings could use a guy like him. That said, I wouldn't mind Darcy Regier making him an offer. Unlike McNally, I don't hate the Devils with the fury of a thousand suns - that's saved for the Leafs in my case.
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