The Greatest Ranger Of Them All

I attended Brian Leetch night and watched with awe as Number 2 was retired and raised to the Garden rafters. Even with all the well-documented problems the MSG people have, nobody does this kind of ceremony like they do. The other retired number owners (Gilbert, Giacomin, Richter, Messier) were there, as were many of Brian’s 94 Cup club teammates (even Jan Erixon came from Sweden). This was great, emotional stuff supported as usual by the most loyal fans in the world.

Only in the Garden would you hear “why’d you trade Zubov?” the second the scoreboard showed Neil Smith. I laughed out loud as Brian mentioned in his speech that he had an announcement to make and a fan shouted “They traded Malik.” Great stuff.

Of course, the announcement was that Gravey’s number will go up next year. Another measure of how classy Leetch is, sharing his night that way. We were lucky to have him for the time we did. He was a big reason our pain was eased in 1994. He was awesome to watch at all times.

He’s also a reminder of some of the horrible moves Slats has made. Anybody know the fruits of the Leetch trade to the Leafs? Was it worth trading the face of our franchise? Under any conditions? Maybe for Malkin. Maybe for Crosby. Not for what we got. It’s a sorry chapter in our history. No wonder Slats was not mentioned in Leetch’s speech.

And the game? A win’s a win but it’s getting worrisome. Especially on a night like this when despite the inspiration, they play flat as a board for two and a half periods. Coach Renney just can’t seem to motivate these guys. Something needs to change or they won’t make the playoffs.

But for one night, I left the Garden not thinking about that. It was Brian Leetch night. And he’s the greatest Ranger of them all.


P.S.-Gomer continues his point per game pace even in the All Star Game.