Ask Dan Question & Answer

(An index of subjects covered on the Q & A page of the web site,

 the Newsletters, and Dan and Jay's books  can be found on the

 Index of Subjects page)

Question #85:
Dan: I think there is a belief among Ducks fans, whether it is right or wrong, that players don't want to play for our team, even some of the players currently on the roster." Ducks Fan

Dan Replies:
Dear Ducks Fan: Thanks for being a Ducks Fan, even thought there's not much to cheer about these days.

Players who make it to this level in any sport are used to winning and their desire to win is one of the motivating factors that got them to his level. To be losing is very distasteful - even sour.

Players in our situation have a choice. There can be some introspection and concern centered around what I could do to change or improve the situation, or (and much easier), I could look about at other more attractive situations and wish I could be in that situation instead of where I am.

It's the human condition to take the easy road and wish your grass was greener... and frankly there's some of that in all of us not just NHLers; in our jobs, our marriages, etc. But as my father often said about wishing, "If 'ifs' and 'buts' were candy and nuts, oh what a Christmas we'd have."

Believe me when I tell you that if the Ducks were at the top of the Western Division, staring at a chance at the Cup, none of us would be wishing we were anywhere else.

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