"JR & Hitch"

We all waited for it last year for JR and coach Hitchcock to have huge fight. Everyone sensed tension bettween the two since Hitch had reportedly sent Darren Hatcher to break JR's jaw in retaliation to a hit JR laid on Mike Modano. Last year came and went with out anything major happening between the two at least not in the open.

However there has been tensiion lately. Hitch slammed JR for being inconsistant in the preseason. He also said he needs to be a better leader. I guess it was a ploy to light a fire under him. Could have JR's been better last season? Sure. He did lead the team in points. However he certainly possesed good leadership skills. He sets a good example to the younger players on how to be fan friendly. I just dont get that. He is usually the last one off the ice and always talks to the media no matter how much they suck, and how much grilling they do to the players. What does he want?

Jr fired back that players that have been around as long as he has just aren't mentally there in the preseason. He clearly knows the difference. Hell he is the only one that gets excited it seems at times.

I usually side with the coach, but for Hitch to make a public comment no reason and with little to back up it seemed out of place. This came a week after JR grumbled Hitch dragging his feet trying to find a linemate, and refusing to let Recchi play on his line because of his plan to use the veterans less. If he plays well with Rex than what's the deal?

Its going to be a long season. Sadly the locker room stories might be more memorable than what happens on the ice.