His 681 points in 1,277 NHL games (playoffs included) with one Stanley Cup doesn't even come close to the criteria for entry. Unlike in junior, Graves never had a 100 point season but he did have six 100+ penalty minute campaigns. The 1994-95 work stoppage-shortened season pretty much stopped his rise to stardom. He had increased his point totals every year leading up to that and then his production fell off as the wheels fell off of the Rangers. It would be a terrible shame if it had curtailed his career and left him among the list of anonymous NHL alumni.
It did not.
Graves stayed in the league another eight years and continued to do his best work - charity and service to the community. The New York Rangers made their best personnel move in over a decade by bringing Graves in after he called it a career. And, by doing so, Graves has become the face of the franchise. The team has a low key coach, low key players, a reclusive general manager and a much-loathed owner and yet the Rangers are just as beloved in the city as always (bandwagon '94 not included). Sick kids, sad kids, kids down on their luck, abused women, even homeless folks ... Graves continues to work to bring some brightness into their lives and show them that there is a good life to be lived and that dreams can come true. Sure his work doesn't get the column inches in the papers, but in this case that isn't a bad thing. An aphorism in journalism is bad news sells. The only time that I can remember that there was anything negative having to do with Adam Graves in New York was the news that he was dealt to San Jose. His tireless work around the city was rarely reported but that never meant anything to Graves - he did it because it was right.
And no matter his numbers, it is right that the Rangers retire his number Tuesday night.
Ceremony info: First off the schedule:
5:30pm Doors Open
6:30pm Graves Night Ceremony Begins
7:30pm Rangers-Thrashers Warm-ups
8:08pm Rangers vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Merch will be overpriced but not as bad as Messier Night - shirt $28, hat $24, book $20, puck $8, replica banner $40. Everyone in attendance will get minibanners, which will have American Express on the bottom (like the Leetch ones did). Bring tissues because I'm sure this ceremony will be touching, even for tough hockey fans. Expect a few thousand to clear out after the ceremony and the place to be a ghost town by the final whistle - it is a school night and the Rangers are playing the Thrashers of all teams. What a clear, saddening money grab by the Garden for scheduling it this way. This number should have went up against the Oilers back in November.
Where We Are: It is hard to say as Zipay is reporting a number of changes that includes the debut of Reitz and Anisimov. This tinkering to a team that just played one of their best games of the season is dangerous so this should be interesting ... And remember, the Rangers often suck when their routines are messed with and a major ceremony and a start time an hour late will certainly change things up.
Where They Are: Atlanta sucks. They are just four points clear of the worse team in the NHL (haha Islanders) and have lost four straight games ... including one to the Isles (hahahaha). Their goaltending is woeful; the formerly reliable Moose Hedberg has a 3.62 gaa and a .885 save percentage. Their top defensemen, Matt Schneider and Ron Hainsey, are a combined -30.Who To Watch For: Kovy is still a hockey god, even if he is surrounded by a poor team. His contract is due up at the end of the season so if we can buy out Wade Redden ... no, we're not that lucky. He is playing with the solid young former Predator Rich Peverley who is doing quite well since his move since Nashville. The Little White Russian line of Brian Little, Todd White and Slava Kozlov have played well enough to get the best line nickname since the Legion of Doom (boo). That idiot goon XLB was just activated from IR but hopefully will still be out instead of back on the ice trying to hurt people. Zach Bogosian is putting together a solid little rookie season - he is no Luke Schenn, but he has skills and grit and has a good future ahead of him.
What To Watch For: Joey Crabb scored a shortie against the Blueshirts last time and the Rangers power play hasn't gotten much better. See if Nik Zherdev steps up his game against Kovy the way he did against Malkin last time the two faced off. See which Henrik Lundqvist shows up - the stellar one who gave up just one goal against the B's or the one who got curbstomped by the Penguins.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Rangers play like the man they are honouring pregame - a hard-nosed, never-say-die style where they pay the price to get to the goals.
Also Check Out: The team's own blog Blueland is on hiatus but the requisite MSM blog is up to date and the in-depth, well thought out Do The Thrashers Have Large Talons? has moved to SBN and took a new lame name.
Adam Graves Night: A Celebration of a Rangers Legend
Adam Graves, a name synonymous with the New York Rangers, is a beloved figure in the world of hockey. His dedication to the game, his community, and his teammates has left an indelible mark on the sport. On the night of his celebration, "Adam Graves Night," the Rangers and their fans come together to honor this legendary player and reflect on his exceptional career. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of Adam Graves Night and also take a peek at the Rangers' opponents for the evening, the Atlanta Thrashers.
Adam Graves: A Rangers Icon
Adam Graves began his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, but it was with the New York Rangers that he achieved true hockey stardom. Acquired by the Rangers in 1991, Graves quickly became a fan favorite. His work ethic, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to his teammates and the community set him apart.
Graves's most memorable moments with the Rangers include:
1994 Stanley Cup Victory: Graves was an integral part of the Rangers' championship team in 1994. His stellar play and leadership on and off the ice were instrumental in ending the Rangers' 54-year Stanley Cup drought.
Rangers' All-Time Leading Goal Scorer: Graves is the Rangers' all-time leader in goals scored, with 52 goals during the 1993-94 season. This record still stands today.
Community Involvement: Graves's impact extended beyond the rink. He was known for his charitable work, particularly with children's hospitals, and was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and humanitarian contributions.
Adam Graves Night: A Tribute to Greatness
Adam Graves Night is not just about celebrating a player's accomplishments; it's about honoring a man who embodied the spirit of the Rangers and their commitment to winning and community service. On this special night, the Rangers organization and fans come together to pay tribute to Graves's contributions to the team and the city of New York.
Activities that typically take place on Adam Graves Night include:
Jersey Retirement: The Rangers often retire a player's jersey on this night, and in Graves's case, it's a no-brainer. His No. 9 jersey is raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden, joining the elite company of Rangers legends.
Video Montages: The night usually features video montages highlighting Graves's career highlights, including key goals, memorable plays, and community service.
Guest Appearances: Teammates, coaches, and friends from Graves's career often attend the celebration to share anecdotes and express their admiration for the man of the hour.
Charitable Initiatives: In the spirit of Adam Graves's philanthropic efforts, charity auctions, fundraisers, and partnerships with local organizations are common during these events.
Fan Giveaways: Fans in attendance may receive special commemorative items or collectibles to mark the occasion.
Peepin' Foes: Atlanta Thrashers
While the primary focus of Adam Graves Night is, understandably, the celebration of Graves's contributions to the Rangers, there's also a hockey game to be played. On this night, the Rangers' opponents are the Atlanta Thrashers, providing an intriguing backdrop for the evening.
The Atlanta Thrashers, a franchise that has since relocated and become the Winnipeg Jets, had a relatively brief existence in the NHL. During their time in Atlanta, the Thrashers had their moments but struggled to establish a consistent winning tradition.
Some key points about the Atlanta Thrashers:
Franchise Relocation: In 2011, the franchise was sold and relocated to Winnipeg, where it became the Winnipeg Jets, reviving the Jets' name from a previous NHL team.
Limited Playoff Success: The Thrashers made the playoffs only once in their history, in the 2006-2007 season. They were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.
Notable Players: Despite their limited success, the Thrashers featured some talented players, including Ilya Kovalchuk, Dany Heatley, and Marian Hossa.
Legacy: While the Thrashers are no longer part of the NHL landscape, their history and brief tenure in Atlanta remain a part of the league's history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Adam Graves considered such an important figure in Rangers history?
Adam Graves's importance to the Rangers extends beyond his on-ice performance. He embodies the values of the Rangers organization, including hard work, dedication, and community involvement. His role in ending the team's Stanley Cup drought cements his status as a Rangers legend.
2. Are jersey retirement ceremonies common in the NHL?
Jersey retirements are relatively common in the NHL, especially for players who have had a significant impact on a franchise. These ceremonies are a way for teams and fans to honor the contributions of legendary players.
3. What is the significance of raising a jersey to the rafters?
Raising a player's jersey to the rafters is the highest honor a team can bestow on a player. It signifies that their contributions were so exceptional that no future player will wear that number for the franchise.
4. How do jersey retirements affect the player's legacy?
Jersey retirements solidify a player's legacy as one of the all-time greats for a franchise. It ensures that their impact and contributions are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Adam Graves Night is not just a celebration of a hockey player's career; it's a celebration of the values that make hockey, and sports in general, so special. It's a reminder that the impact of athletes extends far beyond the ice, inspiring fans and communities alike. As Graves's No. 9 jersey is raised to the rafters, Rangers fans come together to celebrate not only a legendary player but also the enduring spirit of their team and the game they love.
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