It looked like there were a thousand or so people who filed out of the Garden after the Adam Graves number retirement. They left the building on a high note having witnessed a heartwarming dedication to one of the best human beings to pull on a hockey jersey.
I was not one of those people.
I wish I was.
The Rangers put together a pathetic effort against the second worse team in the NHL and, if not for Ilya Kovalchuk's idiocy, they would have lost. As my friend Pat mentioned again and again, 'hey, at least we got a point.' Getting a point helps the team tread water before Philly catches up in games played and passes the Blueshirts in the standings. Getting a point will not bring forth change. Getting a point will not make a statement - hey, this team is deeply flawed, DO SOMETHING. But it is all too likely that nothing will be done and we will be forced to sit back and watch a team that spends millions upon millions of dollars and can't score a goal against the squad that has allowed the second-most in the NHL. Terrific. Before I break down in tears, some observations on the evening:
*Adam Graves finally breaking down as his banner went up was the most moving moment of all of the '94 Ranger number retirements. I've been lucky to go to all four and it was by far the best moment of all of them. The toughest Ranger, the guy who put himself through hell to score most of his 367 NHL goals, couldn't bare to watch as the building roared around him and his name and number rose into immortality. Incredible.*On the other hand, what the hell was that garbage with the cast of the Sopranos? A bunch of loser actors on a show that is already off the air got to march across the ice like they were anyone of importance? The flow of the ceremony came to a screeching halt as those clowns walked out to awkwardly give Graves some gifts. And if that Van Zant guy could make it up from the Super Bowl in Tampa to take part in this, why couldn't Bruce Springsteen show up to hand Graves his guitar personally??
*How sad is it that, in all likelihood, there isn't a single Ranger on the current roster who will get their number retired?
*Steven McDonald showed up to honour Graves and got his usual warm reception from the Garden crowd. But the best part, to me, was after the game started. During a break, they showed McDonald iceside and not only did the fans cheer again, but Kari Lehtonen also banged his stick on the ice and waved. That is class.
*Lehtonen had a pretty good game but he had it pretty easy. On a night where the focus was on a player who battled for every inch of ice and crashed the crease, the Rangers allowed the awful Atlanta defense to keep them out of good scoring areas and away from rebounds. Most of the best Ranger shots just missed the far post wide and ended up out of the zone. *Nik Zherdev actually skated hard but it came to no avail. He seems to have completely lost his scoring touch. Aside from his multitude of aborted rushes and off-the-mark passes, it was astonishing how a player with his arsenal of moves could just say screw it and crank a 60 mile an hour shot right at the goaltender during the shootout. What a cop out.
*The "size" reasoning that Tom Renney uses to justify putting Aaron Voros in the lineup is not just wearing thin, it has worn out and the roadburn is killing us. How a team that can't score is keeping a scorer like Petr Prucha on the shelf for this oversized idiot is inexcusable. Voros did nothing all night outside of taking a bad penalty. For all of his size, he gets pushed around and gets knocked out of scoring positions. Not like he could score once in them, what with those cement hands.
*They say that Artem Anisimov has good hands, but we sure as hell didn't see them. My buddy the Sarge pointed it out early that Anisimov was a stiff and I would have to agree. Perhaps it was nerves but the kid never seemed comfortable and the only noticeable thing he did was get crushed on the boards.
*As for the other addition to the Ranger roster, Erik Reitz, I guess he had a decent debut. He didn't play terribly and was not noticed for most of the night (a good thing for a defenseman). The one time he did get attention, Reitz had put himself out of position to lay down a big hit and got into a losing fight against Nathan Oystrick. There is room for improvement.
*Rozy ... seriously, WTF? Even Wade Redden made some nice defensive plays. What the hell happened to the Czech? Did his game go to Siberia with Jagr?
*Plenty of people complained when the fourth line was out on the ice but, as always, I have to defend them. Blair Betts and Freddie Sjostrom consistently used their speed to put the Thrashers on their heels and Colton Orr was the only Ranger forward to use his body. Granted, the likelihood of them scoring is slim, but at this point you can say the same thing for the money pits that are Chris Drury and Mexican't Scott Gomez.
*I would have included Markus Naslund in there but he did score the equalizer. Of course, the Atlanta defense just decided to step aside and watch the last play of regulation but a goal is a goal.
*I seem to have used "but" a lot in this and I think it is because for every good thing with this team, there is something equally bad or worse that goes with it. There are few things that stand alone in the black.
*One of them is the bottom line for the Rangers. They had to make a ton of money as the merchandise flew off the shelves. When I finally went to try to get a program, shirt and hat during the second intermission, all three were sold out. Another late shopper phrased it best - "Recession? What recession?"
*As Graves mentioned, John Davidson was in the building. I saw him downstairs after the game and he was graciously posing for pictures with Ranger fans. He laughed as someone begged him to trade us Barret Jackman, and he gave me a 'oooo' look and a smile when I sarcastically said thanks for trading us Christian Backman.
*Now have to admit that it was fantastic for the fans to do a "Potvin Sucks" chant during the ceremony - it was perfect timing and even Gravey had to laugh. But to do it 10 more times during the game against Atlanta was just idiotic.
*PHW Three Stars3-Henrik Lundqvist - 21 saves.
2-Slava Kozlov - shootout goal.
1-Kari Lehtonen - 39 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Matt Schneider - Probably the best of the blueliners from Blueland.
2-Lehtonen - Solid effort and a showing of class. Nice work.
1-Adam Graves - No explanation needed.
29-18-5: Special Night Ruined By Hockey Game
Sports have a unique way of intertwining with our lives, often becoming an integral part of our most special moments. Whether it's gathering with friends to watch a game or attending a live event, sports have a knack for adding an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to any occasion. But what happens when the very thing that's meant to enhance a special night ends up taking an unexpected turn and leaves us feeling disappointed? This article explores the experience of a special night marred by a hockey game and the emotional rollercoaster that ensues.
The Anticipation of a Special Night
Imagine this scenario: you've been looking forward to a special night for weeks, maybe even months. It's a celebration of an important milestone, a birthday, an anniversary, or another significant event in your life. The anticipation has been building, and you've meticulously planned every detail to ensure it's a memorable occasion. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, and you can't wait to share this moment with loved ones.
The Role of Sports in Special Occasions
Sports have an incredible ability to amplify the joy and excitement of special occasions. A live sporting event, in particular, can be the centerpiece of a memorable night. The roar of the crowd, the spectacle of the game, and the shared experience with fellow fans all contribute to creating lasting memories. Attending a game on such a night can feel like the perfect way to celebrate.
The Unexpected Twist: A Hockey Game
Now, picture this: your special night falls on the same evening as a crucial hockey game, one that holds significant importance for your favorite team. You find yourself facing a dilemma – do you stick to your original plans and cherish the special night you've been looking forward to, or do you succumb to the allure of the game and risk compromising the occasion?
For many passionate sports fans, this is a tough decision. The emotional connection to a team or sport can run deep, and the fear of missing out on a historic game can be overwhelming. The battle between your loyalty to the event and your loyalty to the team can be emotionally charged.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
The experience of having a special night marred by a hockey game can be an emotional rollercoaster. Here's how it unfolds:
1. The Initial Conflict
You're torn between your commitment to the special night and your desire to watch the game. You weigh the pros and cons, consider your priorities, and assess the impact of your decision on your loved ones and the event itself. The conflict begins.
2. The Compromise
In some cases, you may attempt to strike a compromise. Perhaps you'll find a sports bar near the venue or attempt to discreetly stream the game on your phone. This compromise often results in divided attention, as you're mentally and emotionally pulled in two directions.
3. The Decision
Ultimately, a decision has to be made. Do you prioritize the special night and immerse yourself in the celebration, or do you prioritize the game and risk missing out on the unique atmosphere and experiences the event has to offer?
4. The Emotional Aftermath
Regardless of your choice, there's often an emotional aftermath. If you choose the game, you might feel a pang of regret for missing out on a special night. If you choose the special night, you may experience anxiety or frustration from not being able to watch the game live.
Coping Strategies
Handling this conflict requires a delicate balance of priorities and emotions. Here are some coping strategies to navigate the situation:
1. Plan Ahead
If you know your special night coincides with an important game, plan ahead. Communicate your desires and concerns with your loved ones. They may be understanding and willing to accommodate your passion for sports.
2. Embrace Moderation
Consider embracing moderation. Watch parts of the game or check updates during breaks in the special night's activities. This way, you can enjoy both without feeling too divided.
3. Record the Game
If it's possible, record the game to watch later. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the special night while still catching up on the game afterward.
4. Prioritize Special Moments
Remember that special occasions are about creating memories with loved ones. Prioritize the moments that matter most during the event, and you may find that the game becomes a secondary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I balance my love for sports with important life events?
Balancing your passion for sports with life events requires communication, planning, and sometimes compromise. Openly discuss your interests with your loved ones and find ways to accommodate both.
2. What if my favorite team wins a historic game while I'm at a special event?
Missing a historic game can be disappointing, but remember that celebrating with loved ones on a special night is also a priceless experience. You can always catch up on the game later.
3. How can I manage the anxiety of potentially missing an important game?
Managing game-related anxiety involves finding ways to stay updated without being fully immersed. Consider checking score updates or highlights during breaks in your special night's activities.
4. Can sports fans truly enjoy a special night while thinking about a game?
It can be challenging, but with conscious effort, sports fans can fully enjoy special nights by being present in the moment. Remember that the game will always be there, but special occasions are fleeting.
A special night marred by a hockey game exemplifies the emotional tug-of-war experienced by sports enthusiasts. While the love for sports is undeniable, the significance of life's milestones and celebrations should not be underestimated. Finding a balance between these two passions is an ongoing journey, one that often requires careful consideration and compromise. Ultimately, it's the memories we create with loved ones during special occasions that leave a lasting impact, and sometimes, those memories are more valuable than any game.
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