I’m sure when he was growing up, like many kids from bluecollar families, Brendan Shanahan partook of his share of leftovers. It’s just too bad that in his role as a left wing on this season’s incarnation of the New York Rangers, Brendan is being feed the leftovers again.

After two games, there are certain people on Ranger message boards that want to throw Shanahan under the bus because he hasn’t scored a point. He looks old and lumbering when paired with Scott Gomez.

Let us not forget that in the preseason, Gomez was initially paired with Jagr. It didn’t seem to work. I wonder why? Could it perhaps be because Jagr isn’t exactly a speed demon either? Could it be because he had trouble keeping up with Gomez?

Heaven forfend anyone who would even utter such a thought! Jagr, not fast enough for Gomez? Ridiculous! The answer some would give is that they weren’t a good fit. Different styles of play. Try Drury with Jagr for a better fit. Drury was quickly assigned to Jagr’s line.

Once again, Shanahan is put in the “make do” position. Like last season, when Shanny was assigned speedster linemates like Cullen and Prucha, he looked out of place. He still scored 29 goals. But’s its okay. Shanahan will play with whomever he is told. Brendan will fill whatever role he is given. That’s the kind of player he is. He doesn’t need to be catered to. He’ll take the left overs.

It’s two games into the season. The only fair thing would be to put Drury on a line with Shanahan for a while and see how it works out before certain people start slamming Shanny. Why not give Brendan the opportunity to play with someone who might compliment him?

If Drury continues to click with Jagr, that won’t happen. Just two games into the season and fans are pressuring this team to win every game. No matter if you have to hammer square pegs. The really sad thing will be if Drury develops a serious case of “pass-itis” by playing an “East/West” style of hockey.

I wonder if, the center position was reversed and Jagr failed to produce, these same fans will throw Jagr under a bus too?

Wait! I am forgetting that some people always get the benefit of the doubt.

Posted under New York Rangers