Johnson's Signing Opens Wounds and Debate
Written by CK   
Wednesday, 22 July 2009 02:34

It's a little over two months since the Washington Capitals were handed a Game Seven defeat by the Pittsburgh Penguins - a game that opened fresh wounds in this long-standing rivalry and slashed new ones across the backs of fans who had taken to the team's colors in recent years.

When it was announced that Brent Johnson was the newest member of the hated Penguins, the wounds that had for two months been slowy closing, seemingly ripped open -- leading to what might be one of sports' most famous debates.

Should you hate a player, who had a strong and likeable history, simply because he signs with your rival?

As a Capital, Johnson will always be remembered for his team-first attitude. He withstood the rebuild years, backing up Olie Kolzig and playing on sub-.500 clubs. Twice he was the odd-man out during the playoffs and not a word of discontent was spoken toward his netminding fellows. When he took the role of starter for almost a month from Jose Theodore, he never gloated or tried to forcibly plant himself between the pipes for 60 games.

Johnny is the ultimate good guy -- a beloved teammate, an ambassador to the fans and the type of player who can ease locker tension.

So is it fair that his signing elicited strong emotions from fans calling for his name to be put on the "to boo list?"

That's where the dilemma comes in. All the positive aspects about Johnson could be ignored for the simple fact that he's wearing black and gold. Even though he waited around for weeks during free agency for a deal that was likely never to come, his best career choice could make him a pariah.

Johnson only started 87 games in net for the Capitals in his four-year tenure, yet the immediate shunning would have you believe his number ought to be hung in the rafters. Chalk that attitude up to a bitter fan-base, or one that has become rabidly passionate about their team.

There is a small bit of irony in this situation. Last year a Capital ditched the red, white and blue for black and gold. His name was Matt Cooke and, like Johnson, he was in no real consideration for a job in Washington.

The result of that signing? Nobody cared, yet he was loved during his brief stay.

Nice guys truly finish last -- in some situations.

Good luck Johnny, just not against the Caps.


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written by Ovechwin, July 22, 2009
I'm a bit of a Brent Johnson fan, so while it stings that he's left and gone to our biggest rivals, I'll still cheer for him, as long as it isn't against the capitals.

He hasn't left bitterly, in fatc to me it feels like he would have loved to stay, it just couldn't happen. I say if he ever comes around to VC everyone should cheer him, regardless of team, because he's a classy player who really helped the cps last year.
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written by Mike Rannells, July 24, 2009
It's really an interesting question that you bring up, but I don't think it's really fair to compare Cookie and Johnny. While Cooke was a nice pickup for the '08 playoff push, Johnson was a big character guy and the locker room and easily approachable by all. I think the good luck but not against the Caps approach is probably best, but even in the Black and Gold, I'll have a hard time booing him. Gonchar on the other hand...whoop whoop
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written by JannaT, July 24, 2009
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written by PensCup2009, July 25, 2009
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