- Dec 31, 2017
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I guess all those guys had down time when they weren't playing well. Panarin never really went into a major funk.It's pretty much exclusively because of @thebus88's continued obsession with singing the praises of Korpisalo (okay) and tearing down and dismissing anyone who isn't him (less okay).
Frankly, I think the real issue is that Elvis has a personality and will celebrate things, and that's triggering some sort of unconscious "OMG ABOVE THE TEAM PROBLEM PROBLEM HE'LL DESTROY US ALL" reflex reaction. If you look closely, you'll note that all the guys he's hated have "stood out" in some way such that folks pay attention to them, or have been perceived as doing so:
The only exception to this rule I can recall seeing is Panarin, who was also a very visible star player.
- Bobrovsky - Vezina trophy, The Hug
- Werenski - pre- and post-draft hype, then the facial injury and his subsequent "hero" status
- Merzlikins - he celebrates things and has quirky interviews
- Wennberg - supposedly his physical attractiveness
- Wisniewski - high-profile acquisition alongside The Former #7 (who I imagine would also have been on the hate list if he'd stayed)
- Johansen - a few quirky moments that came out around the ASG (basketball court, "we didn't want him anyways"); was widely considered the team's star player
I guess I just wish people wouldn't nitpick too closely, especially in a year like this. I get it is probably more fun, but it is way less stressful not trying to pick every little thing apart to find where the blame lies, or the credit is due. Most goals and goals against all rely on a series of events to happen. To me, it is all a product of the whole, than just one or two guys getting it done. Watching these guys play the last few weeks, they way they have come together as a team has been very satisfying and fun to watch. Not worrying about who is doing it, or where we are in playoff standings are is less stressful, but just as exciting. While I really don't know exactly how far out or in the playoff hunt we are, I know if they just keep playing well, they will be fine.