In the past, I’ve mentioned how important the crowd around you is to your perception and/or enjoyment of a game. I can think of few times when I experienced as much contrast in atmosphere as I did between the home opener and last night’s game against Toronto.

On Friday night, we had a lousy result on the ice. However, my wife and I had a great time in the stands – in part because we had such cool people sitting around us. If anyone who sat in Section 317, rows A-C on Friday night happens to read this, you guys rock! You were fun, funny, and actually knew something about what was going on.

Last night, though… it was like sitting in a library. When exciting things happen, I yell. I leave most game hoarse. If I got one more dirty look from the woman in front of us – hey lady, if you can’t handle the yelling, you don’t belong at a hockey game. Guess that’s what I get for moving closer to the ice. Those of you who have been visiting the site for awhile know how I feel about the expensive crowd.

For the most part, the people around us just didn’t get into the game enough. I say for the most part, because there were a couple of notable exceptions. In particular, there was a guy sitting behind my wife that sounded like Burgess Meredith as Mickey. He actually called Leetch a bum, but I was waiting for him to tell Messier that he liked him better when he was carrying buckets of spit.

And of course, last night I met Mike C. from the message boards. It’s always nice to put a name to a face. We were talking about how, from posting so often, we both feel like we know the people from the boards, even though most of us have never met. Mike asked me how I met Bird and got started on the site – but I’ll save that epic tale for another time.

One-Timers

I suppose it was only a matter of time.

Following the example of teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders, the New York Rangers have put together a team of young ladies in tight clothing to assist in the administration of fan contests. I don’t really know how to feel about this. My “wheat” side knows that this is nothing but a cheap marketing ploy, but my “sweet” side doesn’t mind the distraction if the game is going poorly.

I think that they should be called the “Trottskyettes,” in honor of our new coach. Of course, once the idea of cheerleaders at NHL games becomes passé, expect this experiment to receive the proverbial icepick to the head.

To those worried about the safety netting, and its effect on your ability to see the game: I sat directly behind the Rangers goal last night in Section 232. The nets were right in front of us. For me personally, the nets were a non-issue. Of course, for those of us with less-than-perfect eyesight, I can see where there may be some problems. About the only thing that I couldn’t do that I could in the past was read a few of the names of off the backs of the visiting jerseys when the action was up the other end. But then that wasn't always easy anyway.

Public Denouncement System

I’m not saying that Bird should sit by the phone or anything, but so far the new PA guy is like the fish sticks at Arnold’s – not so good, Al. I hope for his sake that he’s just shaking off some rust - which is probably the case. I know that I’d be nervous as hell if it was me in the booth. I’m going to the game on November 5 vs. the Oilers. He’s got several home games between now and then to get it together. We’ll see if he’s up to speed by then.

But just in case, rest your voice Bird.

-Chris

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