acb

Good points. It's become clear that a perfect storm for stress is to put a C on any goalie. Moreso in Vancouver. Why not try something just as justifiable: don't make anyone captain, let all the players share the responsibility. Make a checklist of responsibilities of the captaincy, give the list to each player at the beginning of the season & again at the mid-point, & again just before they go into the playoffs. Each time, get him to mark the responsibilities he is ready & able to take up. Then you know what strengths you have to work with & who you can share the load with on a particular responsibility. Some guys would be able to do more, & others less, but everybody would be able to do something to help out. Our team is pretty well knit together, they're strong as players relating to one another, and this would be another strength to unite them further. It would also keep the press & emotionally fragile public from harrassing one player for being captain. It's working for the Canadiens. I think it has helped them to stay loose in the games because nobody gets all the pressure alone, & nobody has to worry about one guy getting beaten up by the media & public.