Hello New York and everywhere else, you are once again in the Birdcage here at Hockeybird.com.
It seems like each and every year for the last few I feel the need to pen an article about Mark Messier. As some of you know thanks to a longtime Hockeybird reader (Daria) I was able to attend the last game Mark played at MSG. I had hoped it would be his last game in what has been one of the all time great NHL careers. The Captain is the best all around hockey player I have ever seen play live (and I was there the night TGO popped a hat trick in the second period of a playoff game vs. the Panthers). He of course delivered us the only Stanley Cup in our lifetime. He had won five cups with the Oilers and during his long tenure delivered huge goals, nasty hits and would even drop the gloves. Many have labeled him one of the all-time great leaders of any sport. But you all know that stuff about Mark Messier.
There's no doubt that Mark has earned a place in the hearts of New Yorkers for his 1994 heroics. He did that in a town that has many sports heroes to choose from. Even many non hockey fans know of Marks leadership and skill. Today's Ranger fans are now split in two parts....those who want him to play and those who think Mark's best days are behind him and wish him to retire. Once again we will sit here and wait to see if Messier is on the opening night roster. Honestly, I can't even begin to understand why. After all, I saw his last game, right? Didn't the Rodent reveal that Mr. Sather purchased a crystal stick made in the Czech Republic to honor Mark? Surely these things mean he's done....right?
Recently the Daily News spoke to Brian Leetch (reprinted in the BlueShirt Bulletin) and Brian discussed his conversation with Messier on returning to MSG. While Brian did NOT say one way or the other that either one of them had decided what to do it was in fact discussed. Here we go again.
OK, let's look at the reasons you could argue for or against his return to the worlds most famous arena:
Why he should come back
1. One of the all-time greats who can still play at a level higher than some kids half his age.
2. Leadership for the kids.
3. He won us the Cup.
Are there more? I'm willing to listen to you if you have any additions here.
Why Mark should retire
1. He's old. Face it, Messier cannot play the way he once did getting 20 plus minutes of ice for 82 games. No one could. Hell, most could never do what Mark has done....he was THAT good so there's no shame in that. Watching Mark out of position or waterskiing was not overcome by the few moments of greatness that Mark can still display. That's just my opinion.
2. The leadership thing isn't valid. The Rangers have a few well respected veterans that could help teach the kids and Messier's magic was leading by example. Not practicing and getting special treatment is hardly a good lesson for young developing Rangers. They also have a coaching staff in place that has a track record with developing kids.
3. If the Rangers are truly rebuilding then the roster spot Mark would take could be better used by someone else. The rebuilding process will be filled with mistakes and lessons learned. This needs to happen at the NHL level so while Mark could perhaps help win a game or two, in a loss a kid could learn what will be needed in the future and he MUST play now to make the future happen as soon as possible.
4. Mark's main goal each season is to win a championship and the Rangers are in no way to be confused with a team in the running for an '05-'06 Cup. I know, with the new deal and all the player movement that is expected it's possible as we'll have as good a chance as anybody else but get serious for a second. It ain't gonna happen, OK?
5. Winning a Cup in 1994 does not get you an automatic roster spot 12 years later even if you were a rookie in '94.
It's been my opinion that Mark should have retired last season or even before that. So now I'm going to go against my opinion and paint a scenario where Mark DOES return this season......
Messier is signed and reports to camp. He's on the opening night roster. He plays enough games to pass Gordie Howe's record of NHL games played and then, in uniform get the send off at center ice that a champion like Mark deserves. I know, Messier is not about records. He's not about getting some token ice time to wave to his fans. But for me it would be an acceptable way for Mark to end his illustrious NHL career. If I'm Slats, it's that way or he show's up in street clothes for a Mark Messier night as they retire number 11 to the rafters of MSG.
I have no illusions that Slats and Co. read this and say, "ya know....Bird's right" and that's how it's done. I admit that it's possible that Messier returns and in a limited role performs well. Hell, even I get the feeling now and then that I have one more in me. But therein lies the problem. I could get in good enough shape to play one great game or even one great playoff series.....but in no way could I endure an entire season and playoff run at a high level. I don't think Mark can either.....and he shouldn't have too. The last thing I want to see is an injury forcing Renny to have to use Messier in key spots and on the penalty kill for major minutes because he's the best chance we have to win. We're gonna have to find someone at some point who can win a damn face-off who's not Mark Messier. He's given the hockey world more than most and owes us nothing except maybe......maybe he owes us a graceful exit.
----}- Bird
Posted by Bird at July 04, 2005 10:51 AMeMail this entry!
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