Poll: Do You Agree with Jamie Langenbrunner's Post-Game Quote?

by John Fischer on Dec 6, 2010 11:45 PM EST in What Do You Think?

When I wrote the recap for tonight's 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, I intentionally avoided both Tom Gulitti's and Rich Chere's blogs. I wanted to write what I saw and how I felt without any post-game quotes coloring my opinion. Normally, I just leave the recap up overnight and let the readers go through that through the morning. I'm making an exception tonight because of on what the captain, Jamie Langenbrunner told the media tonight. Reported here by Gulitti and here by Chere, Langenbrunner had this to say (I'm quoting Gulitti's post):

Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner believes general manager Lou Lamoriello will make a change with the struggling team, but stated strongly that it should be the players and not head coach John MacLean.

"That’s the furthest thing (that should happen)," Langenbrunner said after the Devils 2-1 loss to the Penguins tonight in Pittsburgh. "I would hope that it’s not the angle. That doesn’t deserve to happen. It’s in this room and it should be one of us."

That last quote should sound familiar. Incredibly familiar. In fact, he said something like that on October 27. As then reported by Rich Chere after a 5-2 loss to San Jose:

"I think all of us are frustrated. None of us is doing what we’re paid to do," the captain said. "(The coach) is not where the issue is. We have to find it in our locker room. The coach can only do so much."

I did an entire post on many of the post-game quotes by Langenbrunner a month ago, theorizing that since Langenbrunner kept saying many of the same things over and over without a change in results, then is anyone listening to him? A month later, and it's the same sentiment with the same lack of wins combined with Langenbrunner's own errors (e.g. standing around in his own zone whilst the other team plays and scores) out-shining what ever he contributes. Different day, an even worse record, and yet the same words. I can't agree with what he said after tonight's loss to Pittsburgh.

I don't have anything against the captain, but I personally think this is rather ridiculous. Since I know nothing about anything, I'll put it to a poll. Maybe I have it wrong. Do you agree with Jamie Langenbrunner's post-game quote after tonight's game? Please add any additional opinions in the comments. Thanks for reading.

Poll

Do you agree with Jamie Langenbrunner's post-game quote after the 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh?

Yes. They may not have figured it out yet and it sucks, but in the end, he's right.

135 votes

No. We've heard this song and dance before. Get a new angle yourself, Jamie.

114 votes

I'm in the middle on this issue.

36 votes

It doesn't matter. Nothing is stopping Lou from "making changes" to both the players and the coach.

293 votes

578 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

After Jamies waffle pass when he had a clear shot on goal tonight with 11 mins left to play in the second… I believe nothing that he says. Can we please give the C to someone who can lead thus team and not just talk the talk… But be able to walk the walk as well?

by Devil man on Dec 7, 2010 12:04 AM EST reply actions

Question to you: Will that even change anything? Will it change the entire locker room? I hardly think the Devils’ problems is as simple as turning a light switch (whichever light switch that may: Captain change, coach change, trade)

I for one really want to defend Jamie. I want to stand by and believe the captain of this team as a fan, but after seeing his performance as of late and these mundane, repetitive quotes, it’s getting really hard to. He’s not the only one, but he wears the ‘C’ for a reason. Do you take it away just to prove a point to the rest of the team?

In Lou We Trust: SBN Blog of the New Jersey Devils
"Hockey is the only job I know where you get paid to have a nap on the day of the game." - Chico Resch

by Matthew Ventolo on Dec 7, 2010 12:23 AM EST up reply actions

Yes. This is supposed to be THE leader of your team. There are many veteran leaders in the locker room, but as the captain it starts with him. And what kind of example does he set? If you put together all of the moments where Jamie has shown true heart this season, it wouldn’t even come close to filling up ONE game let alone 1/3 of the season. The captain sets the tone of the team, and Jamie’s tone based on his on-ice play is “I don’t really care.”

The Doghouse 2011: Henrik Tallinder, Jamie Langenbrunner

by thejerseydevil on Dec 7, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions

Listen, I agree with you. You can see what I voted for in the poll. I’m not happy with Langenbrunner (along with a lot of other players).

If you put together all of the moments where Jamie has shown true heart this season, it wouldn’t even come close to filling up ONE game let alone 1/3 of the season.

You can say the this about every full time player on the Devils aside from maybe Hedberg (he’s only been playing full time for about 8-10 games). I don’t think a change in captain is going to solve anything. I believe it’s going to shake up the locker room entirely. Is the locker room on eggshells? I have no idea, but from what I’ve read from the beat writers (Gulitti and Chere), things seem fine. (Elias joking about Teddy’s weight is one example). Colin White didn’t want to wear the ‘C’ when Jamie was rested for one game last season, and MacLean didn’t give it to anyone while Jamie was injured this season. This team as enough on-ice problems that they don’t need to risk to have the locker room split up with no one taking the ‘C’ like it’s a hot potato.

Alan Wright’s comment below (with the link and blockquote) has Jamie pointing the finger as himself. This is something new compared to what he said in the past. But implement what you said back onto the ice. Show the fans that you are hurt personally and will fix your own problems (whether it be a bad pass, a missed assignment, or not skating back to play defense). If he does this, then the rest of players will follow by his example.

In Lou We Trust: SBN Blog of the New Jersey Devils
"Hockey is the only job I know where you get paid to have a nap on the day of the game." - Chico Resch

by Matthew Ventolo on Dec 7, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with you changing the captain at this point will only make little to no difference. He has one year left. Just let the guy play it and re sign him cheap or let him walk whatever they want. The problems are miles deeper then the captain. On ice leadership? Last time I check I think zero of our players have showed that specially if you look at point production. This is just a stinker year and you know what? We are lucky we had so many years of dependable devils hockey to watch. THE ONLY OTHER TEAM TO BE THIS CONSISTENT IS THE WINGS! It will come back but you people seriously think changing a captain is the answer right now.. I glad you people don’t work for this team.

by Kyle Hamelin on Dec 7, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

It will come back but you people seriously think changing a captain is the answer right now

Changing the captain will not solve all of the problems with this team. Agreed. I don’t think anyone really thinks otherwise.

But will it solve some of the problems? Who knows. Maybe. Jamie’s basically in MacLean Defense mode and is now repeating answers to the media. At a minimum, he should at least be called out on whatever “it’s in the room” is supposed to mean.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Dec 7, 2010 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

yea your right it could solve some things. Let me ask you though john if it was honestly your choice and you knew it could hurt the team doing so would you change captains? This is just such a frustrating season I wish we had some concrete answers to some of our problems.

by Kyle Hamelin on Dec 8, 2010 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

I know some people might be looking at saving the season. But I think the best way to look at it so it doesn’t explode our great franchise is how do we just save our team.

by Kyle Hamelin on Dec 8, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

I’ve said it before, the real captain is out until feb/march.

by whatjusthappened on Dec 7, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Honestly? I would. Nothing has worked so far and since he wears the C he is the one who is ultimately in charge of the players on the ice during play. The coach can only do so much. Teams look to a captan for leadership, and so far Jamie has done some good, but it’s not enough to warrant him wearing the trademark C. Do I think it’s as simple as flicking s lightswitch? No way. But maybe it would get a ball rolling to put the fire under the teams rears that they need. It seems to me that the devils play and play loss after loss with no fear of any ramifications to their poor actions. If that’s the fault of the captan, coach or powers that be… I’m not sure. But Jamie passing off that puck tonight as if it were a hot waffle coming out of the toaster when he had a clear shot on net and how he keeps talking but no actions are forth-coming is proof enlugh for me that the C should go to someone else. Say Patty for example or Arnott.

by Devil man on Dec 7, 2010 12:36 AM EST reply actions

since he wears the C he is the one who is ultimately in charge of the players on the ice during play

You seem to have the wrong idea of what the “C” stands for. It has nothing to do with the on-ice play, it is symbolic of leadership. It does not mean you are the best player or one of the best players, although many teams will often give the “C” to that guy regardless.

A captain is NOT a coach on the ice.
A captain is NOT the equivalent of an NFL quarterback.

Now, there has been a movement in recent years towards giving the best players the “C” in a lot of situations, but that isn’t 100%. Consider how long the Capitals went with Chris Clark as captain (before he was finally traded last season and the letter turned over to Ovechkin). Carolina left the “C” on Rod Brind’amour when it was clear that Rod was nothing more than an aging player and borderline NHL talent. Brian McCabe wears the “C” in Florida. Until his retirement, Rob Blake wore the “C” in San Jose (and not Joe Thornton, who does now).

Yes, it was an unfortunate offensive play by Langenbrunner in the second period. Using that as your “justification” to strip the captaincy for someone is absurd, as one has nothing to do with the other. Nor, for that matter, would it be in proportion: would you plan on taking the “C” away from any Devil who makes an idiotic play? Is your plan to pass the “C” around like a marijuana cigarette at a fraternity party? And if you do so, doesn’t that diminish the value of the letter even more? Passing the letter from player to player is for an expansion team that has no clue where their leadership is coming from. The only way you give the “C” to someone else right now is if you don’t plan on giving it to Parise. Otherwise, you wait a few months for Zach to return from knee surgery (and if you absolutely must do anything, you remove the “C” from Langs and give a third “A” to someone).

Let me tell you what a captain IS. A captain is supposed to be a team leader…. and leadership comes in many forms, not just in the on-ice product. Wearing a letter also permits you to talk to the referees, particularly in the area of game flow and (non-)calls. And to some extent, I imagine part of the captain’s “responsibilities” is talking to the press — the media might seek him out anyhow, but they’re probably more inclined to do so because of his status. We don’t know what things are like behind closed doors. Maybe Jamie is a horrible captain and presence in the dressing room, and maybe he’s exactly what this team needs. We have little way of knowing and even less of a way of properly evaluating that part, because it isn’t as cut-and-dry as the numbers on the scoreboard.

by acasser on Dec 7, 2010 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

Ok, you have a good point there. And thank you for the clarification on the “C”. Pehaps I was a bit quick to jump the gun on Jamie… God knows that every Devil at one point or another be it this season or past season has done that “waffle pass” when they have an open shot on net. I guess it’s just nerves or the want to help a fellow team mate get a point. And as for the “C” Jamie has had it for the third season now and only one Devil has held the captain slot for 12 years and that was Stevens 92 – 04. Every other captain has had the spot for three years or less such asScott Niedermayer with one year in 04, Don Lever 2 years 82 – 84, Patrik Elias 1 year 06 – 07, Bruce Driver 1 year 91 – 92 and Mel Bridgman 3 years 84 – 87. The only exception to the three years or less trend (Stevens aside) is Kirk Muller, 4 years 87 – 91. So by this plan of thinking, Jamie was doing something right in the first two seasons as captain that was deserving him to ware the “C” but now, something this season is diminishing his work. Any thoughts as to what it could be are constintly tossed around these comment pages such as the coaching staff this or the refs that, Lou hit me with a wiffle ball batt. I myself am included in the not thinking before I type group. And for that I’m sorry. But after reading up on the history of all the captains the Devils have had, it makes me wonder why so many have only had the “C” for three years or less.

by Devil man on Dec 7, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

The quote from today reads like Langenbrunner is blame-shifting to “we” and “one of us” when, as a player, he should primarily be concerned with his own performance. As Captain, obviously he plays a role in team results, but it’s not his place to speculate/ suggest/ or otherwise urge (without specifics) that Lou Lamoriello should make trades. That is essentially What he said, as I read it. So, that’s what the team Captain says about his own teammates? They must love that show of support.

Alternatively, how could he realistically say something truly harsh about Maclean? If he did, it could make hell for their work relationship and further damage team morale. Not helpful. It’s positive that he supported the coach, though.

But, finally, I think this could be a sign that Langenbrunner is requesting a trade on top of suggesting demotion to the Albany Devils for some others (if not suggesting trades as well).

by Alan Wright on Dec 7, 2010 12:50 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I just read a new story on NJ.com

It’s here.

Here’s the key quote from Langenbrunner including the author’s comment.

The captain feels all the blame rests on the team’s players and he doesn’t spare himself.

“I don’t know how every player takes it,” Langenbrunner said. “I definitely take it hard and take responsibility for it. That’s my personality. I always have. When we’re not winning, I look to myself.”

by Alan Wright on Dec 7, 2010 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

Don't know what to believe

From Johnny Mac saying he doesn’t know why the team isn’t getting it done to Langs saying (repeatedly) that it’s this or that, who knows what to think. What I do know is that a playoff team for years is suddenly the worst thing on ice except for the Islanders. At this point, I don’t care why, I just want the Devils to play 4 games in a row where it looks like they want to be on the ice. If Langs wants a trade, if he asks Lou nicely, I’m sure it’d happen. If he wants to deserve the C and his paycheck, he should demand accountability in the locker room. Injuries or not, this roster is good and the on ice product is not.

by NJHockey8 on Dec 7, 2010 1:41 AM EST reply actions

Selling himself out

Jamie said that it is not the coach but “the locker room” isn’t that where the Captain is supposed to motivate and energize his team? Jamie saying “It’s in this room and it should be one of us” to me is him saying blame me not the coach because as Captain I am responsible for motivating these players.

I am not sayin I agree with Jamie that it’s not the coach, I personally think the coach and captain are both responible to motivate, discipline and fix any issues the team may have. But if Jamie firmly believes it’s not the coach, well then there’s only one other piece of the puzzzle Jamie, and that would be the Captain.

by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Dec 7, 2010 9:21 AM EST reply actions

As much as I think this is just Jamie trying to say the right things and deflect criticism that is becoming more and more keenly focused after each loss, he needs a new schtick.

I’ve taken to calling him Captain Mopey because he seems so genuinely joyless. I can’t imagine there is a lot of joy to be had in the locker room and behind closed doors in Devils’ Land at this point, but his dry, witless, repetitious responses mirror the dry, witless, repetitious product on the ice each night and that’s not the least bit reassuring.

I always kind of feel for athletes that have to answer the same stupid questions by the same stupid people time and time again, but it’s part of the job description and it behooves them to actually answer the questions instead of this lame act Jamie has taken straight from the NY Times bestseller, “The Stereotypical Athlete’s Unimaginative Answers to Common Questions.”

Show some fire. Show some leadership. Show some concern. Show that the apathy we see on the ice isn’t due to apathy everywhere else. Show something.

by elesias on Dec 7, 2010 9:55 AM EST reply actions

I had not seen this before, as I didn’t read all the comments to that post. Silliness

Since I know nothing about anything

I find it interesting that these guys support MacLean so much but were quick to throw Hall of Famer Jacques Lemaire under the bus after last season.

Some change, any change has to happen.

by Tom Stivali on Dec 7, 2010 11:08 AM EST reply actions

I see few thing with our C. He was one of core players here who had to take less money to stay, only to see 35+ Rolly get basically Martys contract. To me those two can not go in the same sentence. Jamie was and is by far better player. I am not even going to compare Clarkson, whom I do love, or Tallinder, with Jamie. And he knows that next offer from Lou will be even less if there is one at all. But he was still having other motiv – see playing with ZPar and Zajac, and clicking with them, which would get him better contract in the end. But remember when he did flip completely – when LL started moving him around. rest is well documented. Playing hockey is also a job, like one we all have and like to get paid acordingly.
That is why I cannot see him picking up this team. He just does not want to pick him self up, he is just working out his contract, and it has been so for some time.
And I do not include Kovy into this mess. Salary structure has been compromised before they even started talking to him. And this does matter in locker room, as it does in the office. We all pretty much know who deserves better money than ourself in our office, and who is just making us hate our boss. And they all know that multiple 40+ seasons were not a fluke, and are beyond their level, with exactly 3 exceptions – ZPar, Elias and Marty.
I basically expect Jamie to ask/accept trade, or just leave for nothing at the end of a season. And many other players are thinking – so what, there is allways next year, as far as playoffs are concerned. And they do not take this so badly as we fans do. Most of them are used to it, I mean not making the playoffs. Just look at the roster. I do not have hope for most of them regarding stepping up and paving the way. I just do not see it.

by CRO_Devil on Dec 7, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions

He was one of core players here who had to take less money to stay, only to see 35+ Rolly get basically Martys contract.

You don’t have the facts then…. because this statement is completely false.

Jamie Langenbrunner was a free agent at the same time Patrick Elias was (after the ‘05-’06 season). At the time, he was coming off a year where the stat line read 19-34-53…. not his best career season (he was 22-33-55 for the Cup winning club, and also led the NHL in playoff goals and points), but a career high in assists and nearly a career high in points. The perception at the time was that five years and $14 million was a fair deal for him…. and he did put up three terrific seasons the next four years. There is no suggestion that “he took less money to stay”. Rather, he chose to stay for the contract Lou Lamorello offered him, when there were other deals out there if he so desired.

Brian Rolston was perceived as the top player on the free agent market after the 2007-2008 season. At the time, he had just posted his third straight 30-goal season (and fourth overall). You may not remember, but Tampa Bay traded for his rights in an attempt to sign him before July 1st…. and reportedly there were twenty-or-so teams who put bids in once free agency opened. The contract (and NTC) he received was the result of that bidding war.

But he was still having other motiv – see playing with ZPar and Zajac

Travis Zajac was in Albany when Jamie signed his current deal. Zajac did not join the Devils until the following season. There was no “ZZ Pops” when Jamie was a free agent. Heck, there wasn’t a ZZ Pops until some point after the season had started, because these three players did not start the year as a unit.

He just does not want to pick him self up, he is just working out his contract, and it has been so for some time.

If your premise is that Jamie is worried about his contract, the worst thing he can do is quit on the team and simply not perform out there. If other teams think he’s a malcontent in the locker room, or that he simply doesn’t “have it” anymore, he’s not liable to get much of an offer at all. Certainly nothing close to the money he is making now, or the term. Mind you, he may have difficulty in that area anyhow, considering any future deals he signs will fall under the 35+ clause of the salary cap rules…. but the rest wouldn’t help.

Past that, do you have any evidence to back up your statement? Anything at all?

And many other players are thinking – so what, there is allways next year, as far as playoffs are concerned.

Do you have any proof to back up this accusation? Or are you merely throwing it out there to disparage the team and the players involved. Past that, I doubt any of the players are of that opinion. Some veterans might be able to be moved to playoff contenders at the deadline, but an awful lot of them won’t have that fallback, and it isn’t a choice in their hands anyhow. Beyond that, any player who isn’t completely secure on the roster can’t afford to think that way…. there are too many potential prospects who could simply come in and take their jobs. At that point, they wouldn’t have to worry about the playoffs ever again, because they’d be out of a job.

by acasser on Dec 7, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

It’s a little over 12 hours since I read Jamie’s quote and I’m still shocked he had the stones to say “it’s in the room.” It was “in the room” at the end of October. It’s now the second week of December and it is still “in the room.”

I wonder what “it” is and why he and his teammates haven’t done anything about “it” yet. Assuming Jamie is being honest with us about “it” existing.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Dec 7, 2010 11:12 AM EST via mobile reply actions

The “it” in question is clearly the “it” they take on the ice every night.

The same “it” Jamie is full of, and, with any luck, the “it” that will be hitting the fan here shortly.

by elesias on Dec 7, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

Regarding Langs comment I think the right question is, what is “it.” He says “it” is in the locker room. Majority of the players in the locker room are players that were in that locker room last year. Majority of the players in the locker room are veteran NHL players. Did they suddenly forget how to play team hockey? Did they forget how to stick with the man they are guarding? Did they forget how to make an effective pass? Did they forget that stupid penalties hurt your chances at winning? What is it? If it is in the locker room then share with the fans what “it” is. If “it” is you then waive your NTC and get the heck out of here.

I don’t know what the “it” Jamie is referring to but here is what I do know. What is the biggest change in this organization from this year to last year? Coaching staff. Don’t give me the injury bug excuse. There is way too much talent on this active roster for their record to be 8-17-2. I admit that I am not a big Lamaire fan. He did things that would drive me crazy like changing up the lines. However, with many of the same players that are here this year, Lamaire won! Sorry John, it just didn’t work.

by 31setab on Dec 7, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

The problem is the players, McLean & Lou

Lou initially caused the current problems with the team’s current state IMHO. He has continued to have the rain cloud hang over this team by not acting to get below the cap and clear roster space before the beginning of the year. The LTIs have delayed any action and from that standpoint, Lou seems to be vindicated for waiting. Well – if they were winning – he would have been vindicated. Imagine what would happen If players like Zubrus or others had been shipped out to clear up cap space and then the current injury bug bit the Devils. Would we be worse than the Islanders? Does that even matter?

This is a psychological cloud of uncertainty has hung over the team since the beginning of the year. I believe it has contributed more to the team’s play than any of the tangible stats or on-ice plays that we can cite here.

Then you go to McLean. While I never liked him as coach, I do believe what was dealt to him was unfair. This team started with a handicapped roster out-of-the-gate. If it was a horse race, all the other horses simply had a head start. The issues can plague the tone a new coach wants to set in the locker room and in practices. However, McLean is the easiest one to be held accountable. The Islanders’ coaching change didn’t produce any results, but if Lou can find the right fit, maybe the season can be salvaged? Finding the right coach for this team and the situation they’re in is important though. For me, it’s not Johnny Mac.

As for the players, Langs is getting annoying enough, true – but someone will have to go. However, these players need a spark. They need a Claude Lemieux, Scott Stevens to rally around. Who in the NHL is tradable that would be considered a locker room asset? Or who on the Devils now could be elevated to captain and change the tone? A guy like Hitchcock could change captains and not apologize to anyone. And he’s familiar with Langenbrunner from Dallas. Don’t know what their relationship was there though. And for me to recommend Hitch is a first admission.

I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.

by Cherno77 on Dec 7, 2010 12:44 PM EST reply actions

Semantics or...?

That doesn’t deserve to happen. It’s in this room and it should be one of us."

ONE of us? Hmmm…is it that specific of an issue in the locker room and on the ice? Common thought process from the outside looking in would say no (unless you are quick to single out the coach). So was that just a sentence thrown out there and the context can be expanded upon to the plural? It should be a FEW/MANY/ALL of us? Or is there a problem so precise that any one with an inside access to that locker room could put their finger on? I hate to bring it up (again) but is this an underlying resentment from certain players upon Kovalchuk and or Lou/ownership for bringing him here? If it is specific as one player (which I doubt) who else would it be? Unless Langenbrunner was talking about himself perhaps?

"Look at my face. I came here to play a hockey game and look at my face." -Kris Draper

by HELLAWAITS on Dec 7, 2010 1:19 PM EST reply actions