Thursday, December 4, 2008

Rotating the "A" Suits the Penguins


With the recent anointing of the alternate captains this month for the third time this season, alot have questioned whether or not rotating the responsibility is an ideal situation. I will admit that I wasn't too keen on the idea when they first announced that this was their plan from the start, but since then I got to thinking -- this procedure is really fitting of the Pittsburgh Penguins as a team when you think about it.

Although the Penguins aren't short on talent, you can't deny that they rise and fall together (everything is a joint effort) and when you talk to the players individually about the positives, they will credit each other and the team as a whole without thought.

Each player has stepped up at one time or another to lead the team to victory. There's the ultimate in Sidney Crosby, but there's more making up the Penguins -- like Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik -- they're all a piece of the puzzle that makes contributions to being a successful team. Look at Tyler Kennedy. He was brought up from the AHL and made an impression from the start and has earned his spot on the Penguins roster.

My point in all of this? Each player accepts their role. They're all different but it makes the team what it is, so why shouldn't they share the responsibility of alternate captaincy? Its a well-rounded team absent of any egos so it works for them and is very fitting to the team. Just as each player steps up in their role when they're needed, they are willing to accept the responsibility of the "A" when that time comes and none of them are resentful of one another. They all understand that each of them plays a vital role in the entire team's success so why not share the benefits and responsibilities?

It's very fitting if you ask me.

2 comments:

Life_As_A_Redhead said...

Great post, and in the past I've really disliked the "Rotating A".

However, you are indeed correct in that it just fits this team.

gilld22 said...

I completely agree, they are a team and work so well together, they do not play as individuals and are all deserving of the 'A' at some point or another. I think it is a very good idea.