Random Rangers: A MSG Moment

Last week Madison Square Garden's brass unveiled Garden 366, an interesting way to pay lip service to the great history that has taken place within the walls of the various buildings to wear the MSG monicker. The SNY guys published the various Ranger-related events that will be included on the new sixth floor wallpaper.

While that list does encapsulate some epic events in Blueshirt history, there are so many more. From time to time I hope to publish them here - whether they are firsthand accounts from fans and the famous or are accounts found in books and other materials.

We'll start with the latter, an excerpt from Scott Young's Hello Canada! The Life and Times of Foster Hewitt, which was published back in 1985. Foster, as you should know, was THE MAN when it came to broadcasting hockey. His radio calls helped entrench the sport in the very being of our northern neighbors and many of his idiosyncrasies have been passed down to broadcasters today: "he shoots ... he scores!"

Foster covered the Leafs and was there when the Buds came up against the Blueshirts in the 1932 Stanley Cup Final. I'll turn it over to Mr. Young, who turns it over to Foster himself:

"When the teams skated out in New York's Madison Square Garden on the night of 5 April 1932, more than sixteen thousand were in the rink, breaking the fire marshal's capacity limit. The New York crowd was always one of hockey's rowdiest, and that night they were definitely up for the game. Newspapers had been feeding the fans every extra bit of animosity that existed between the teams. A few years earlier (Lester) Patrick had decided that (Lorne) Chabot had lost his nerve after a bad eye injury. (Conn) Smythe had crowed ever since that he'd practically stolen Chabot in return for a goalie he didn't want, John Ross Roach, always soft-pedalling the fact that to make the deal he'd also had to give up Butch Keeling, who had become a mainstay of the Rangers.

Back in Toronto, Foster's dramatic account - still only on a local network - had the faithful on the edges of their chairs. Foster, later, eyes shining, smiling and sometimes laughing at some memory, often used the phraseology familiar to his broadcast listeners:

Never, before or since, have I seen such tenseness, or such a brilliantly played, wide-open game. The Cooks were tremendous. Lorne Chabot in the Toronto goal was magnificent. Red Horner was knocking them high, wide and handsome on defense. And every time the Kid Line went out there they seemed to be able to take charge.
Along in the second period, the Leafs were ahead 5-2 when Coach Dick Irvin put a rookie defenseman out on the ice for the first time. Bill Cook went around him like a rocket the first time he came down the ice, and scored. The crowd had been noisy before. But with that goal they let out a roar that never stopped until the end of the period. And they kept right on roaring right through the intermission! When the Rangers came out they'd been listening to that roar from the dressing room and it doubled and tripled and quadrupled when they hit the ice.
It set them on fire. They scored again and made it 5-4. But from then on, the couldn't beat Chabot. And near the end of the period Horner, of all people, broke away and scored the Leafs sixth goal to take the heat off. That game was almost the ultimate in hockey. I'll never forget it."

Ah, the power of loud and proud New Yorkers has virtually no bounds. While that particular moment did not have a happy ending, the Blueshirts were able to recover. They made the Cup final again the next year and avenged their loss with a victory over those same Leafs. It marked the second time Stanley came to the greatest city on Earth, the second of just four. But that is a story for another time.

 Random Rangers: A MSG Moment

Madison Square Garden (MSG) is more than just a famous sports arena; it's a cultural institution and a symbol of New York City itself. Over the years, MSG has played host to countless memorable moments in sports, music, entertainment, and more. In this article, we'll take a closer look at MSG through the lens of the "Random Rangers" – a term that encapsulates the unexpected, remarkable, and unforgettable moments that have occurred within the hallowed halls of this iconic venue. We'll explore some of the most intriguing and fascinating stories and answer frequently asked questions about MSG.

The MSG Legacy

Madison Square Garden, often referred to as "The Garden" or simply "MSG," is a world-renowned sports and entertainment arena located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It has a storied history dating back to its opening in 1968, making it one of the oldest major sporting facilities in the United States.

MSG has been the home arena for several professional sports teams, most notably the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL). Additionally, it has hosted countless concerts, performances, and cultural events, cementing its status as a cultural epicenter.

But it's not just the marquee events that make MSG special; it's the unexpected, quirky, and sometimes downright bizarre moments that unfold within its walls. These are the "Random Rangers" moments that add layers of intrigue to the Garden's rich history.

Random Rangers Moments at MSG

The "Potvin Sucks" Chant:

For decades, Rangers fans have passionately chanted "Potvin Sucks" during home games, regardless of whether the Rangers are even playing against a team with Denis Potvin, a Hall of Fame defenseman, or not. This tradition has become an enduring and endearing part of MSG's atmosphere, showcasing the loyalty and fervor of Rangers fans.

The 1994 Stanley Cup Victory Parade:

In 1994, the New York Rangers secured their first Stanley Cup in 54 years. The victory parade that followed was an epic celebration of sports and unity in New York City. Fans lined the streets, and the Garden was at the center of it all as the Rangers paraded their hard-earned trophy.

The "That's a Clown Question, Bro" Incident:

In 2012, Washington Nationals' baseball star Bryce Harper visited MSG for a Rangers game. When asked about his favorite beer, he responded with, "That's a clown question, bro." The phrase caught fire and quickly became a cultural meme, transcending the boundaries of sports.

The Pope Visits MSG:

In 2015, Pope Francis held a mass at MSG during his historic visit to the United States. The arena, usually filled with sports fans and concertgoers, became a place of worship for thousands of faithful attendees. This unique event exemplified the diversity of experiences that MSG offers.

Billy Joel's Monthly Residency:

Billy Joel holds the record for the most performances at MSG, with his monthly residency concerts becoming a beloved tradition. Fans flock to see the "Piano Man" in his element, singing along to classics in an atmosphere that's uniquely MSG.

Frequently Asked Questions about MSG

Why is MSG considered "The World's Most Famous Arena"?

Madison Square Garden earned the title "The World's Most Famous Arena" due to its rich history of hosting iconic events, including concerts, sporting events, and cultural gatherings. It's an iconic venue that's recognized globally.

How can I attend events at MSG?

To attend events at MSG, you can purchase tickets through official ticketing platforms, such as Ticketmaster or the Madison Square Garden website. Be sure to check the event schedule and availability well in advance, as popular events often sell out quickly.

What is the capacity of MSG?

Madison Square Garden has a seating capacity that varies depending on the event. For basketball games, the capacity is around 20,000, while for concerts, it can range from 18,200 to over 20,000, depending on the setup.

Is Madison Square Garden easily accessible by public transportation?

Yes, MSG is easily accessible by public transportation. It is located above Penn Station, which serves Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and several subway lines. Additionally, there are numerous bus routes and taxi services in the area.

What are some upcoming events at MSG?

To find information about upcoming events at Madison Square Garden, visit the official MSG website or check popular event listing websites. Upcoming events may include concerts, sports games, comedy shows, and more.

Madison Square Garden is not just a venue; it's a stage for the extraordinary, a canvas for unforgettable moments, and a reflection of the vibrant spirit of New York City. The "Random Rangers" moments are but a glimpse into the diverse and eclectic history of MSG. From sports triumphs to cultural landmarks and quirky traditions, the Garden continues to be a place where the unexpected and the remarkable converge, creating indelible memories for fans and attendees alike. It's a testament to the enduring power of this iconic institution in the heart of Manhattan.