By Christopher D.
Being a Ranger fan encompasses, or at least implies, the very familiar notions of negative speculation, false buildup, heartache, and eventual let down.
A number of us have lived through years of the aforementioned emotions only to be ultimately disappointed with the drib outcome of a particular season, the less than stellar performance of an over-priced player, or the constant shenanigans of upper management’s ineptitude to show the slightest bit of emotion towards those who pay their salaries – us.
But, I’m not here to bemoan the team or the decisions surrounding its management, as I think we can all attest to the fact that some decisions have proven to be beyond human comprehension. I am rather here to profess the pride and dedication that comes with being a Ranger fan.
Part of embracing this organization and this sport is being able to endure the hardships that come with the territory.
Each season for the past 20+ years, I have counted down the days until the Zambonis cut the ice for the first time. And each season, regardless of how good or God awful the Rangers looked heading into the season, I have been prepared to watch all 82 games – with the high hopes of a prolonged season that ended deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs. Once again, that time is quickly approaching!
I refuse to condone the ridiculous notion of making a concerted effort to lose, just to gain a high draft pick. Maybe that happens in places like Pittsburgh, but not in New York. I would rather have a losing team for ten consecutive seasons, than a single team who tries to lose.
It comes down to a matter of heart. The Rangers we saw pre-lockout didn’t understand the meaning of heart. The Rangers we see now possess that much desired emotion we always wanted to see game in and game out. Integrating that with the skill they have acquired as well as intelligent management moves along the way, will ultimately result in a recipe for success.
So as I end this short ode to my Rangers, let’s raise a glass, not to our expectations for this year or next, and not to the beheading of our general management or the failures with which we have grown accustomed to, but let’s raise a glass to the unique and unmistakable sensation of what it is like to be surrounded by the best, most passionate fans in the world.
Let’s Go Rangers!
http://socialnomical.blogspot.com/
17 comments:
The bottom line is that no one wants a losing team though. I would rather have the rangers lose big time one season, gain 1st pick, and come out of the slump they're in. Another 54 years of this seems like a waste of time and built up hopes. They will never lose on purpose, too much money involved and its assumed the players actually care and have some pride in what they've done their whole lives, but it wouldn't be the worst idea in my opinion. It would take us out of losing instantly, but like I said, would neverrrrr happen. I hope this team surprises me this year, but I'm not anticipating too many wins and then we move on again to another middle of the pack draft pick. Here's to losing every year woohoo! *cling*
Come hockey season-my schedule and events are built around the games. So I totally agree with the assessment that come hell or high water I am glued to the TV, even if its on the DVR and they lost.
I dont get this concept of losing on purpose?
Maybe 25 years ago, this was the way to go, but definitely not now.
Theres no guarantee that a single first round pick will turn things around.
There is parity in the league and you dont need the number one pick, just make what picks you do have count.
Look at the Islanders, they suck year after year, and continue to suck year after year.
Look how awful the Rangers drafting has been, they have had some pretty high picks, Manny Malhotra (seventh overall), Pavel Brendl (fourth overall), Jamie Lundmark (ninth), Dan Blackburn (10th overall), Hugh Jessiman (12th overall), Al Montoya
All very high draft picks after plenty of losing (albeit not number 1s) and NOTHING.
So to suggest the Rangers or any other team should intentionally suck to get a high draft pick is really really f$%^%$^in stupid
get job buddy, could have said it better myself... Erik
callahan blows, go get some quality players
that guy above probably worships Satan and bangs his dog - which would make sense since he is a Flyer fan. so clearly his opinion means nothing.
tell Queen Henry to close his legs
First Islander trollers now Flyers. Wow, the blog has officially made it.
too bad the rangers didn't make it, the playoffs i mean
that for all the jabbering and posturing and nonsense that comes out of the mouths of Flyers and Islanders fans, they are still second-class organizations, blinded by inherent prestige of the New York Rangers in such a way that causes these jealous outbursts.
not about losing on purpose per se. its about not signing the middling guys that make us a middling team. if we did not sign prospal (who i like btw), and frolov (generally like the player too) and used say grachev and weise there would be a far better chance we'd get a top 5 pick maybe even top 3. so it would not be losing on purpose but would be same result better draft pick.
i don;t consider 8th or 12th picks top draft picks.
ask a chi, pitt and wash fan how they like getting top draft picks for a few yrs, the cap changed the dynamics of building a team. and don't be surprised if the isles become good in 2 or 3 yrs - i just hope they move before that.
god the rangers suck, original six and they only have 4 stanley cups and 5 division titles? they've been around for almost 90 years
if you are gonna smack talk at least put a name to your stupid comments..
If you take the time to check out some of the Flyers fan-blogs, you would understand why they would come here to get some info. Their blogs su-HUCK! They're more interested in taunting other teams then celebrating their own.
Philly has such an inferiority complex. Just go away.
flyers > ny
In what possible way? I mean, I've only been around long enough to see the Flyers shit the bed playoffs after playoffs. Hey, keep tryin. Flyer fans under 40, you'll see a cup one day. And Bobby Clarke is gay.
at least we make the playoffs
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