This is why NYC-area NHL Hockey has entered a golden age

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New York’s NHL is experiencing a moment. It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen.

The New Jersey Devils The shock of the season is the team that amassed a record of 19-4-0 while playing an exciting brand of hockey. The New York Islanders They are 15-9-1, recovering from a terrible campaign last season. Ilya SorokinWho could be the NHL’s best goaltender? Although there are many, New York Rangers They are yet to get started, but they made it to the Eastern Conference finals and returned with a roster full of star players and recent award recipients.

Through Tuesday night, Devils, Islanders, and Rangers combined had a combined.657 point percentage. That is, the number of points in each standing divided by the total possible. It would be the Devils’ most successful season since 1982 when they moved from Colorado. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the previous high for combined points percentage is .599 in the 1993-94 season.

Stan Fischler said to me recently, “I don’t recall a triofecta quite so special as this.”

This is history. Fischler was present at his first Rangers game, in 1939. He was a journalist who covered all of these teams during their Stanley Cup championship runs. He has seen a lot New York hockey. He has never seen it like this.

“Right now, there is a rare opportunity — despite slumps — for each Met team to have a chance at the playoffs,” he stated. “This is rare and exciting stuff for fans in general, and me specifically. It is a once-in a lifetime experience, and I feel like I’m soaking it all up every night.

Don La Greca has a different work history than Fischler. Since 1992, he has been covering New York hockey. he was working for Sports Phone He made $15 per Devils game during the 1990s. Now he is co-hosting “The Michael Kay Show” at ESPN Radio 98.7 FM New York.

Although they’re off to a slow start the Rangers are already showing their true potential. They can pull it together and, if the Devils are real, they will be three of the top teams in the conference. He said that this never happens. This is my dream come true as a sports journalist and as someone who wants all three teams to win so Michael Kay can let me talk about hockey, it’s a dream come real.”

It is rare for all three teams to be strong and relevant.

“Ever since my first year here, and this is the ninth year, it has always been one or another,” Devils defenseman Damon Severson Recently, he told me. “And it wasn’t us, except for one-year.”

This is supported by the numbers. In three seasons, all three teams, Rangers, Islanders and Devils have made it to the playoffs.

1989-90: In the first round, the Rangers defeated the Islanders and the Devils were eliminated. Washington Capitals.

1993-94: The Rangers beat the Islanders to victory, then Stephane Matteau scored the most infamous goal in franchise history to defeat the Devils in double-overtime. Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals. Mark Messier’s Rangers won the Stanley Cup in the next round. They beat the Vancouver Canucks.

2006-07: The Islanders lost to Buffalo Sabres The Devils and Rangers both advanced in the first round but were defeated in the second round.

It is usually only two of three teams who qualify for the playoffs. That has happened 22 occasions. In 14 seasons, only one team qualified to the playoffs: the Devils and Rangers six-times each, and the Islanders 2018-19 and 2020-21.

There has never been a playoff season in which all three teams have missed it.

Here is a quick snapshot of each franchise, their position in the rivalry, and their current status.

Last Stanley Cup win: 1994

Who they were: Original Six teams with just one Stanley Cup win are the most significant but also the least successful. That win was a testament to the Rangers’ intrinsic prestige. It was magic, right from the “Matteau!” Matteau!” Matteau!” Messier guarantee. Like the New York Jets 1969 and the Mets It was established in 1986 as a championship and cultural touchstone.

Rangers have the highest spending on players and the largest fan base. They are the “big bad” for Devils and Islanders fans.

They are: The Rangers are a fascinating team. They managed a.671 point percentage last season and reached the Eastern Conference finals despite being 25th for shot attempts and 24th for expected goals percentage. Igor ShesterkinVezina Trophy-winning Season and unstoppable Power Play

The Rangers currently rank sixth and ninth in the 5-on-5 metrics. However, they are just above.500. Shesterkin’s play and the power play are good but not great. Gerard Gallant, the head coach of the team’s second campaign, has received a lot of criticism from fans.

Last Stanley Cup win: 1983

Who they were: From 1980 to 1983, the Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups. This achievement is still celebrated today due to its enormity… and because there was nothing else to celebrate. They are a franchise that has survived. crooked ownersInept management, regrettable contract and stars abandoning them They owned Toronto Maple Leafs Bedsheets for children

They’ve been through a lot, from Nassau Coliseum, a shabby temple, to an unsuccessful side quest back in Brooklyn to Nassau Coliseum and finally found a permanent home. gorgeous new arena near Belmont Park racetrack.

They’re the Rangers’ bratty younger sibling, always in their shadow. They could look like the Cup if they had it back. Chicago Blackhawks Boston Bruins In the last 15 years, there have been many fans who have jumped on board. (We assume that this is being). driven by Ralph Macchio.)

Who are they? This season, the Islanders have something to show. The Islanders have something to prove this season.

Lane Lambert, his right-hand man, has taken over the roster of Lou Lamoriello, the original architect of three Devils’ championship teams. He has helped the Islanders achieve a successful first quarter. They are scoring more goals (3.25 per game) and allowing fewer (2.58), though the former can be attributed to Sorokin. The 27-year-old is leading the NHL in goals above replacement and expected. However, the Islanders actually rank 31st among 5-on-5 teams in expected goals against. This is something that’s worth keeping an eye on.

Last Stanley Cup win: 2003

Who they were: The Devils were located across the Hudson River, from the other New York City franchises. “Mickey Mouse” team in the 1980s To help sucking the fun from the NHL in 1990s as purveyors for the stifling neutral zone trap. They won three Stanley Cups (2000, 2003) and held three parades at their Meadowlands stadium parking lot before moving to the Prudential Centre in Newark in 2007.

All three members of the Hockey Hall of Fame are part of the defensive trio that drove those wins, Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer. The Devils, like the Rangers in 2014 made it to the Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings (Devils in 2012, Rangers (2014)) and came up empty. The Devils spent much of the past 10 season in multiple rebuilds to get to this season’s breakthrough, which was not the case with the Rangers.

Who are they? It is most likely the best NHL team right now. the most exciting one. The Devils are speed demons with a unique transition game. They are relentless in their pursuit of the opponent’s zone, but they manage to protect themselves. They pickpocket pucks from their opponents and race back up the ice to chase them down.

The core of “Triple H” Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier Dougie Hamilton All healthy once again — outstanding, while winger Jesper Bratt Is a star. After spending two seasons trying to figure out a goal solution, Vitek Vanecek This was arguably the most important off-season goaltending acquisition.

Fans began chanting for Lindy Ruff’s position as coach. During the 13-game win streak that set a franchise record, fans actually sang an apology to him.

Over the years, there have been many notable interactions between these teams. The benefit of having all three in the same division is that it has allowed for some interesting intersections.

There have been many ugly playoff fights, especially between Rangers and Devils. (The Rangers’ and Islanders’ playoff matches have been a distant memory since 1994.

There have been many player vs player rivalries. For example, Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist would battle in goal or Sean Avery would pull out his stash of tricks to taunt Marty. In 2020, there were only 11 players who had played for all three teams. Kevin Weekes was an ESPN analyst.

It’s the fans who keep these rivalries alive even when teams are idle. Keep an eye out for the chants.

“1940,” up until 1994, which were used by the Rangers’ Islanders and Devils fans.

“Potvin sucks,” To this day, Islanders defenseman Denis Potvin is still mocked by Rangers fans who whistle to him. “Rangers suck” by the other fan bases, when they co-opted this chant.

The Devils and Islanders fans have made “The Chicken Dance” as anti-Rangers chants. They don’t like the Rangers.

“We want fish sticks.” These were the chants Rangers fans made when the Islanders changed their logo one resembling the Gorton’s FishermanIt was years before this jersey became a beloved kitsch.

Oh, and then there was also the Santa Claus fight.

On December 23, 2003, Islanders hosted a promotion that allowed anyone to come to the game dressed up as Santa Claus and get free admission. Also, they offered the chance to parade onto the ice during the first period of their home match against the Flyers. This Santa Claus clause was used by approximately 500 people to get to the game. Some even ripped off their jackets to reveal Rangers jerseys.

This was the world I was born into.

Before 1972 when the Islanders arrived, my father was a Rangers fan. As a child, I was drawn to the Devils because we lived in New Jersey. To bond with my father, he gave up his Islanders fandom to support the local team. However, our basement had copies of cartoons from the New York Daily News that commemorated the four Stanley Cups won by the Isles.

There are many ways to get into NHL fandom. You might be born into it, or you may have a friend who discovered it. It could be civic pride in supporting your home team or a pride in supporting a player. It could be the speed or physicality of the game or the way that both immediately hypnotize spectators who go to a hockey match. It could be the video games or the movies. Tumblr, fan cams or maybe it’s Tumblr. There are many ways you can love this sport. It is also possible to keep it alive, despite its toxicities and gatekeeping practices by older generations.

My father welcomed me into hockey. My father welcomed me into hockey. Rangers fans used to invade the Meadowlands, and every chant and cheer felt as if you were defending your home against invading hoards. The previous night’s results would determine whether you were going be the taunted or the taunted at school the next day. Rangers fans were my friends. I went to the prom along a Rangers fan. Losing was not an option.

Severson shared with me recently that his teammates also feel the urgency when they play the Rangers and the Islanders.

He said, “When we’re at the buildings of other teams across the Hudson River it’s those that mean a bit more to players.”

In his nine-year NHL history, Severson has played 34 times with the Rangers. These 34 games are the most in his nine-year NHL career.Th It was a different experience when we met at Madison Square Garden Monday night. The narrow corridors were filled with Jersey jerseys. The corridors were filled with audible “Let’s go Devils!” There were several chants that followed the goal of the road team. After the Devils had scored their fourth goal, Shesterkin was mocked with a “EEEEEEEEEe-GOR!” chant.

“Rangers fans remain loyal. They are always there to support our team. They’d shout louder than our fans every time they scored. Severson said that Devils fans had grown tired of it. “We currently have a winning team. This gives you the strength to support us. It’s rare to see such a thing in MSG.

It might be more frequent. It is possible that all three teams will make it to the playoffs together. The Devils average age is 25.6. The Rangers average age is 26.1. They are among the NHL’s six youngest teams. The Islanders are 6Th Oldest team (28.5), but they have their core secured up through 2025, including a 25-year-old star centre Mathew BarzalThe contract is for a period of 2031.

“Who knows?” Fischler said. “We may have one of the three Stanley Cup winners.”

And if one of them wins the Cup, boy, will the rest of the world hear about it. Fans wouldn’t want it any other.

Taken from a Regina Pats recent game

Ah, yes, that time-honored tradition, the Draft Lottery Franchising Player Foul. This was seen previously for Eric Lindros, and (especially) for Eric Lindros. Connor McDavid. We have here a Vancouver Canucks Fan who transformed into a Brock Boeser Connor Bedard, Pats star and expected first overall pick, will be wearing a jersey in one. Detroit Red Wings Fan who realized that his team was too strong to give him a chance at Bedard, so he taped “BEDARD”, on his shirt. Lucas Raymond jersey.

You never know what these emotional homecomings will look like. The case of Matthew TkachukCalgary’s return of the member Florida PanthersThe fans cheered him in a video tribute, booed him as he touched the puck and then again during play. It was very funny.

From my Calgary friend, I learned that they feel different about Tkachuk being gone than I do. Johnny Gaudreau. They view Johnny Hockey as the one who steered them along until free agency opened last summer. While they may be right, it’s not his fault. Tkachuk, on the other hand, said to the Flames that Tkachuk was leaving a year early. That kind of runway was appreciated, and they don’t hold as much ill-will, I get the feeling.

Plus, one left for nothing while the other brought home one Jonathan Huberdeau MacKenzie Weegar through trade. This helps!

The week’s winners and losers

Winner: Offense

A time when a 9-8 game was like the Seattle KrakenThe victory of the Los Angeles Kings The news of this week would have been the talk for the hockey world for the following month. Although it was a big win, that kind of score has become a commonplace in the NHL. It is time to recognize that we are in an offensive age and there is no going back. The average goal per game for 362 games is 3.18. This would be the highest average goal per team per game since 1993-94, when nine players scored more than 50 goals.

Loser: Cal Petersen

It has been hard to see his fall from grace. The Kings have extended his contract for three years, at $15 million, to him. This comes after a strong 2020-21 season. Last season, he had a save percentage of.895. After giving up 16 goals to the Kraken, he was at.868 for this season. He was placed on waivers by the Kings and sent to the AHL. Ouch.

Winner: Jason Robertson

The Dallas Stars Forward was named NHL’s star of November and the Hart Trophy leader. according to our latest NHL Awards Watch.

Jack Edwards, the Loser

Kudos to Pat Maroon Turn the page Boston Bruins Commentator mockery on air of his weight into an admirable charitable endeavor. It was Maroon who commented the next day on Edwards’ comments that really brought it home:

Winner: Getting a Home

The Arizona Coyotes The city council approved the $2.1 billion arena plan and entertainment complex plan. This will be presented to the voters in May. It is now one step closer to having a Tempe home for at least the next 30 years. Gary Bettman, the commissioner, has fought for 10 years to keep this team in Tempe. He believes it can be a success. He may be proven right.

Loser: Losing your mask

I am torn about the Connor Hellebuyck discourse. Hellebuyck was in an accident that resulted in his mask being broken. The Jets goalie was still on the ice and the Stars scored. Scouting The Refs had a good breakdown of the rule Hellebuyck’s reaction also allowed for this.

Play should be stopped immediately if a goalie’s mask is removed. Unless there’s a scoring play, which Dallas would do if he attempted to make a pass for a shot, it’s too late. However, goalies can be dangerous and will stop offensive opportunities by any means possible, so changing this rule from the current version could prove to be a mistake.

The headlines for Puck

The Drop

Sebastian Diamond from FaZe Clan joined us on The Drop to discuss their collaboration with Islanders. Also, we listed our favorite nonverbal teasing in the NHL. Plus, we have a new “Search for Merch”, and some love for Devils. We are seeing a growing audience on the NHL on ESPN YouTube channel. We thank you all!


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