Fact or Fiction: Should Ranger fans be optimistic about success?

Let's recap our situation briefly, shall we?

Our top two centers are not only 6’4” tall; they also possess elite talent and grit. Memories of our earlier diminutive centermen are almost a distant and forgotten pain.

The most explosive scorer in the league is still in his prime and eager to break the Rangers single-season goal record.

The blueline employs one of the league’s most fearsome hitters, along with three premier puck-moving defensemen.

Our pugilistic prowess is seen not only in of the league’s best agitators, but also in two of the best punchers in the NHL.

Our youth corps has legitimate talent, both in net, on defense and up front.

And, most importantly, the team is led by a coaching staff that brings respect and knowledge of the game not seen in these parts since an iron hand was wielded in 1994.

So we're ready to join the league's elite, right?

SLAP * SLAP * SLAP *

Snap out of it! Are you insane? As Ranger fans, we have a tradition to uphold, and it has nothing to do with dancing Larry, lavender-colored seats, or winning games. Yes, you read that correctly – fan support is not about wins.

Admit is, you’re seeing the year through rose-colored glasses

You’re seeing Kasparaitis knock players on their behind, not out of position in the neutral zone.

You’re picturing Brian Leetch set up a power play goal, not him standing passively as opponents whack away at multiple rebounds.

You’re seeing Pavel Bure score 60 goals, not his past cherry picking habits.

Lindros is skating carefree in your imagination, and there are no visions of a flying Derian Hatcher elbow.

Hmm, Pangs of anxiety are creeping up now, aren’t they?

Well, re-focus!

Being a Ranger fan is not about wins and losses, or else there would be a total of fifty fans watching the games on tv. It’s about embracing the players and winning the mini-battles.

And, right now, do you really love the players yet? I doubt it.

Trottier was a former Islander from their Cup reign. Schoenfeld was a former Devil coach. O’Reilly fought Ranger fans in the stands at MSG. Holik was a notorious Devil. Lindros was a hated Flyer. Malakhov was a Devil. Kaspar was an Islander. Poti is the reason Mike York is in Edmonton. And we’re not even talking about Rangers that have been booed at MSG for the past few years, Lefevbre and Nedved among them.

So if you’re expecting to care for this group because they win – think again. It’s guaranteed agita and heartbreak.

Instead, do what Ranger fans have done for decades – hate someone else. And then cheer on the team to win that mini-battle that has nothing to do with winning or losing the game. Instead, it's about winning the hearts of New Yorkers.

Some Examples

Target Marius Czerkawski: For years, his claim to fame in Ranger lore was being the recipient of Dan Cloutier's right fists. But last year, he decided to further cement his schoolgirl persona by holding Tomas Kloucek’s arms behind his back so Alexei Yashin could land free punches. The first Ranger who throws a devastating and purposeful check on him has earned himself the adoration of MSG.

Taunt Colin Campbell: Ranger players will be under the NHL microscope, especially new players Darius Kasparaitis and Bobby Holik. Campbell has had it out for New York since we gave him millions of dollars to go away. If these Rangers persevere, continue their physical play and affect officiating much as Toronto did last season, then they deserve individual accolades.

Score on Cechmanek: Hitch’s Flyers will be the team to beat in the East, but their Achilles heel is the playoff goaltending of Cechmanek. If Pavel Bure and the rest of the goal scorers can plant a doubt about whether the Flyers goaltender can handle the Rangers assault, we’ve created turmoil in Camp Clarke.

Shut down Yashin: We’ve all heard, and seen, Holik’s ability to shut down the opposition’s best player. But if Holik can shut down Yashin and make him as invisible as he was in the playoffs for Ottawa, the skepticism will emerge from Islander fans who need to watch Yashin for the next decade.

Bully Broad Street: No one on the Rangers team said anything when the microphone-chasing Roenick said whoever knocked out Lindros would endear that player to the Flyer faithful. Well, the Flyers don’t inspire fear anymore, so the player that tilts the intimidation scales in our favor will get a notch on his belt.

Create your own rules

The above were a few that FOF brought to the fore, but feel free to create your own. Have it involve Mike Milbury, Eric Cairns, Donald Brashear, the Maple Leafs, whatever floats your boat.

But let the players win you over not by wins, but by mini-battles.

Let them know that we expect effort and focus, not simply the end result.

Get attached to these guys. Don’t expect too much simply because there are big salaries attached to their NHLPA web page. Know what they bring to the ice and enjoy it.

Do that, and it's a fact that you're in for an enjoyable season.

-Gabe

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