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New York Rangers Daily Dose: NHL/NHLPA Tackle Off-Ice Issues, Vlad’s Unhappy

By Patrick Comia

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Welcome back, New York Rangers fans. It’s the weekend, and we can finally relax for the next two days.

Here is what’s on tap in today’s edition:

NHL facing a unknown reality- NHL.COM

The National Hockey League has been taking a few black eyes to it’s image, these past few months.

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With a few of its players troubles with illegal drug possessions, domestic incidences, and alleged inappropriate actions, the League is facing a new, unknown reality.

Or perhaps, it has been unknown to the public, and it is now coming to light thanks to various social media outlets (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, internet).

As a result, the NHL and NHL Players Association have been proactive in educating their players about these and other issues facing them in today’s society.

In an article written by NHL writer Pierre LeBrun, he talks about how both parties are taking steps to try and bring awareness to various issues that players could encounter in their hockey career.

No one is immune to everyday issues that face the average citizen or household. Despite this, the sport of hockey, as a whole, is considered a great league in terms of morals.

Sep 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sidney Crosby waits before being introduced during a press conference and media event for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

In the article, the face of today’s NHL Sidney Crosby took a stand on the issues facing his fellow players and what needs to be done to avoid the pitfalls that comes with their professional persona:

"Obviously, when you’re a professional athlete the expectations are a little bit higher, that’s something we all understand. It doesn’t mean we’re above making mistakes or that we won’t experience challenging situations. At that point, it’s about making the right decision"

As Lebrun pointed in his article, various groups meet with all 30 teams to discuss potential issues players will encounter each year. Some teams have hired their own consultants who have faced the same issues that today’s players are trying to avoid.

In the end, it comes down to the individual to make their own decisions. Hopefully, they have received the right guidance and advice to make the correct moral decisions going forward in their careers.

Vlad not glad about recent Blues failures- NHL.COM

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

After having successful regular season campaigns only to end in quick exits in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the St. Louis Blues are building a bad reputation of not showing up when it counts the most.

They are quickly becoming the San Jose Sharks of the Central Division.

However, at least one forward is coming out and taking a stand against his team’s failures.

Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko is saying enough is enough.

"Right now we have three years in a row, same style of losing…It’s enough"

His frustration at the team’s lack of playoff performances is sure to be echoed by any Blues fans. It must be like Groundhog Day over and over and over again.

As the Blues most explosive offensive player with 37 goals last season, he might be taking it upon himself to change the fortunes of the team.

"We’re looking forward to playing not a different style, but to being different mentally…I believe we can break it and go far in the playoffs. I believe we can go all the way and win the Cup"

That certainly sounds like a player determined to get past the first round of the Playoffs. The Blues have the talent, they just need to have that come out when it matters the most.

Next: Kessel Skates with Crosby, Canadiens to Name Captain

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