some odds and ends

The Caps (or the Ovechkins as I've heard them referred to) lost their game 7 to the Flyers. I'll be very sad to not see Number 8 advance but he went out with style, embracing every Flyer in a least a semi-hug. Now see Brodeur, that's how a superstar wins even more people over and why the Verizon center was often filled to capacity this season.

As for MSG, last series was very pleasant save for the overly dramatic reaction to losing in overtime. There was a complete lack of homophobic chatter which was delightful on two levels, because I hate how petty and hypocritical it shows up Rangers fans and because it has prevented Dancing Larry from Striking it Up most of the season. Not so the playoffs! Dancing Larry danced to resoundingly positive welcome and the only "Homo Larry" mentions were whispers between fans that you couldn't say it anymore. The most abrasive thing I heard in our section was the guy next to me who was compelled out of his seat to yell, "Slam that midget!" when Gionta got checked into the boards on our end of the ice. That I loved!



Another great thing came courtesy of Gardenvision. There was a young girl in full Rangers regalia who was holding her American Girl doll decked out in identical gear. If they're selling Rangers jerseys at the American Girl shop, you know I need one for Buddy Ian. He loves the thrill of competition.




Lastly, Sam Weinman from the The Journal news has been my favorite Ranger beat writer in the two years he has covered the team. I love his humor and he's my goto guy for behind the scenes info. But recently veteran Rangers' columnist Larry Brooks from the New York Post has chimed in with some pro Blueshirts commentary. The often cranky Brooks is usually not so keen on the team he covers. But it's not only his enthusiasm for the Rangers that has caught my attention but his sticking it to Brodeur at every opportunity which has been a complete delight. First he questions whether the writers should just vote Jagr the Conn Smythe winner now thus triggering the last possible way to keep our Captain from free agency.
Then in his post-mortem on the Devils he references Avery's classic "We don't travel in the same circles, they wouldn't let him in." set down to Brodeur with this:

It will all be different now. The Rangers move on. The Devils go home. Avery gets to the second-round party. Brodeur is not on the list.

And yesterday Brooks wrote a piece about the NHL sanctioning an Avery Rule t-shirt and had this fun take on it:

The NHL, of course, won't profit alone. The players will get their share of the revenue generated by sale of this tee shirt. That includes Martin Brodeur.

Unfortunately Bettman has already put the kabosh on this. Quite alright as I've secured the original version.

Now were off to the Pittsburg and hoping the team will come home with a split, but I wouldn't turn down 2-0 either. A carbon copy of the Devils series? I'd definitely take it.

ps. Henrik was nominated for his 3rd straight Vezina trophy. Now I have a reason to make our house watch the horribly embarrassing and boring NHL awards come June. Now if we could get Henrik to the draft as well I'd be all set.