According to a friend of mine, let's call him TrottierFan#1, roughly 40% of the fans at Nassau Mausoleum tonight were rooting for the away side. When asked why it was that the minority was so loud with the chanting, he pointed out that it's "easy to be louder when your team is better and winning."I like that.
Well, the Rangers were better and they won, 2-1. Was it a resounding victory? Absolutely not. But the Blueshirts looked like a better team that just barely edged out these same Isles 5-4 last month. Now is that because they played down to the Isles' level? Or the Isles played up to theirs?
My guess is the former but I'd bet on the latter.
*Much like his teammates, Hank was good but not great. He was beaten at least twice (one post) and rarely had to make a highlight save. His positioning in his last three wins has pretty much ensured that. As he said in the postgame on Saturday, he is "keeping the puck in front" of him and that means the world.
*Is there any wonder that the power play goal that the Rangers scored the game winner on came off of the rush by the young, dynamic power play unit? The unit that stands around passing incessantly nearly gave up a shorthanded goal on several occasions this evening ...
*While I won't attack the Mexican't for his role in the power play fallacies (tonight), I was going to harp on his lazy offensive zone penalty. However, he did make it back to par by setting up the equalizer by Chris Drury. Gomez knocked down a poor clearing pass and dropped it to Drury, who perfectly threaded it through an Islander defender and past Danis to tie the game at one. That's what you're paid for, Braden!
*Five of Drury's 29 points came in his four games against the Islanders. It is great he steps up his game against the evil Isles, but for his salary, he needs to expand that success to teams that aren't headed for the draft lottery.
*What a disgrace of an opening goal against. First Blair Betts loses a defensive zone faceoff, then the Rangers - specifically Wade "In and Drown" Redden - stood around while the Islanders threw the puck on net and finally scored through a Colton Orr screen. *Al Trautwig interviewed Redden during the first intermission and he didn't ask the question most burning in Ranger fans hearts - "Wade, do you feel like a crook, stealing the Rangers money?" Instead he asked if Redden thinks he is playing better now and, of course, Wade said yes. Clearly.
*For the Ranger fans, seeing Joey Mac go down will likely prove to be bad thing. It sounds good, but it isn't. Prior to the game they were courting former Ranger killer Wade Dubielewicz and you can only imagine that they will double their offer now. As for the injury, I still have no idea where that "strained groin" came in considering he barely reached for the puck on the play they kept showing on MSG.
*Correct me if I am wrong, all of that talk about Mike Dunham getting his gear to back Danis up was pointless, because Dunham could never have gotten in the game. You can't add someone to your roster once the puck drops, can you??
*It was nice of the MSG guys to put together a clip reel showing Tim Jackman running around hitting people heading into the second period. They neglected to include him dodging Orr's challenge by the Isles bench. The instigator rule gets players hurt. That simple.
*PHW Three Stars3-Chris Drury - one goal.
2-Henrik Lundqvist - 33 saves.
1-Nigel Dawes - game-winning goal.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Brandon Dubinsky - Another big strong game from the big strong kid. He is finally playing like he did at the start of the season and just needs to start converting the chances he is getting around the net.
2-Chris Drury - There is something to be said about someone who steps up his game against rivals, especially the rival I loathe most.
1-Ryan Callahan - Brooksie may be talking about re-signing Z, but if the Rangers let this kid go this team will be so very much worse. When Pru was on the bench and Dawsie and Dubi were ineffective, it was Cally who kept his feet moving and contributed where he could. The kid is a bowling ball on most shifts and he is seeing the ice better each game; his potential has yet to be reached.
26-15-4: A Rivalry Renewed - The Potvin Sucks Chant
In the world of sports, rivalries are a special breed. They're fueled by history, passion, and sometimes, a catchy chant. The "Potvin Sucks" chant is one such iconic rallying cry in the world of hockey, and it has a rich history that dates back to the late 1970s. This article explores the origins, significance, and enduring legacy of the "Potvin Sucks" chant in the NHL.
The Origins
The "Potvin Sucks" chant is most closely associated with the rivalry between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers, two NHL teams that share the same home city but have distinctly different fan bases. The chant was born in the late 1970s, a period when the Islanders, led by their star defenseman Denis Potvin, were establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league.
The chant's origin story can be traced back to a specific incident during a game between the Islanders and the Rangers. In 1979, the Rangers' beloved captain, Phil Goyette, was in attendance at Madison Square Garden for a ceremony to honor his career. During the ceremony, Denis Potvin, who was not known for his diplomacy, took the microphone and made a comment that didn't sit well with Rangers fans. While trying to praise Goyette, Potvin said, "His name will be in the rafters, but his team is on the ice." This remark was seen as a slight against the Rangers, and it ignited a fire in their fans.
The Chant Takes Hold
In response to Potvin's comments, Rangers fans began chanting "Potvin Sucks" whenever the Islanders came to town. What started as a spontaneous expression of frustration soon became a tradition. The chant was simple, catchy, and had an undeniable emotional resonance. Rangers fans saw it as a way to express their disdain for Potvin and the Islanders, and it quickly caught on.
Over the years, the "Potvin Sucks" chant became a fixture at Rangers games, especially when the Islanders were the visiting team. It didn't matter whether Potvin was on the ice or not; the chant became a way for Rangers fans to voice their rivalry and passion for their team.
The Legacy
What makes the "Potvin Sucks" chant unique is its enduring legacy. Even decades after its inception, the chant still echoes through Madison Square Garden whenever the Islanders are in town. It has become a part of Rangers lore and is passed down from one generation of fans to the next.
The chant's significance goes beyond Denis Potvin himself. While he may have been the catalyst, the chant has come to symbolize the fierce rivalry between the Rangers and the Islanders. It's a reminder of the intense emotions and the competitive spirit that define sports rivalries.
In fact, the chant has transcended hockey itself. It has been adopted by fans of other sports teams as a way to taunt opposing players and teams. It's not uncommon to hear "Potvin Sucks" chants at baseball, football, or basketball games when the opposing team's star player is on the receiving end of some good-natured ribbing.
The "Potvin Sucks" chant is a testament to the enduring passion and intensity of sports rivalries. It's a reminder that rivalries are about more than just the games on the ice or the field; they're about the shared history, the moments of triumph and heartbreak, and the camaraderie among fans.
While Denis Potvin may have been the target of the chant, he himself has acknowledged its place in hockey history. He once said, "I take it as a great compliment because if they remember me, that means I did something right." In the end, the "Potvin Sucks" chant is a tribute to the power of sports to bring people together and ignite their competitive spirit, creating moments that live on long after the final whistle has blown.
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