Gonchar should use boos as motivation: MacLean
The boo birds were out in full force during the Senators’ home opener against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, showering their disdain upon struggling veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar.
The boo birds were out in full force during the Senators’ home opener against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, showering their disdain upon struggling veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar.
Gonchar, who clearly looked embarrassed by the scorn during player introductions before the game, has yet to find his comfort level here after signing a three year deal with the team last summer.
While there was some debate as to whether or not it was right to slam the guy so early in the season, head coach Paul MacLean saw no issue with it.
“I’ve been booed, so it’s something that you…I think it’s a motivator,” MacLean said. “If your fans are unhappy with how you play, they should express that they’re unhappy with how you play.
“Conversely, if you play better, they should appreciate that you play better and to me, it’s just a signal that you need to be better.”
MacLean said he didn’t get a sense that it was bothering Gonchar, adding all three of his veteran defenceman (Filip Kuba and Chris Phillips are the others) were better in the last game.
He still expected them to improve more, however.
Very true. I saw and heard Maclean get booed quite a bit by the home crowd in the twilight of his career with the Jets, with most of the heckling focusing on his perceived weight and fitness. If anyone can help Gonchar through this, it’s Maclean. Maclean should play him some old tapes.