Operation Hat Trick: An Amazing Night
The hockey game that took place on Saturday night was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. The first and most noticeable thing was the amicable nature in which Rangers, Flyers and Devils fans got along with one another that will make even the smallest follower of the sport feel a little dirty inside. Although there were many Ranger fans in attendance, when the Philly team scored you felt like you were inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Of course, the most important part of Saturday's game and entertainment raised needed funds towards Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. There is still plenty that needs to be accomplished in order to return a sense of normalcy to the NJ coastline. I was in Margate, NJ which is just a few miles south of Atlantic City a week ago. The beaches are virtually gone, piles of sand cover first floor windows of buildings facing the ocean, stores are still closed from water damage and garbage lined curbs out in front of homes, street after sobering street. Margate is just one of the many towns along the coast that will need a lot of assistance to get these towns back on their feet. Hopefully the money that was raised will be put to good use.
The epic chants of "We Want Hockey", "Fire Bettman", "MAAAARRRRTTTTYYYY" and "Crosby Sucks" were just as much of a highlight as the 57 saves from the King who stole the show. Hank was in mid-season form right from the start as shown by his 23 save, first period shutout despite his last game coming nearly 6 months ago to the day. Lundqvist even stopped 2 shots on 2 man breakaway. Penguins winger James Neal, who was booed all night by Ranger fans and Flyer fans alike, led the way for Team NY with 4 goals.
As for the other Rangers during the game, Girardi was all over the place defensively, sliding on the ice a few times to prevent cross ice passes, Boyle had a few chances, Staal played the role of a more offensive defenseman, cheating down into the slot at various times. Eminger was invisible despite having being only 1 of 4 defensemen on the team. Asham was preoccupied with Carcillo for the first two periods. (more on that in a moment) Taylor Pyatt's charitable contribution to the game was little more than eye fodder for the female fans in attendance. Halpern played with Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan at times and did little with the opportunity.
Penalty shots took the place of power plays but the goaltenders were more than up to the challenge. On one particularly interesting sequence in the second period. Arron Asham and Dan Carcillo were mixing it up before a faceoff. Once the puck was dropped the ref immediately blew the whistle and issued penalties to both players forcing them both to take penalty shots. Both goaltenders made saves.
Touch icing made its first unofficial appearance in the NHL and I have to say I like it, but it seems like when the first icing took place it took some of the players by surprise. It will take some getting used to though.
Overall, Operation Hat Trick was a huge success. We'll find out in a few days exactly how much money was raised. I never wanted that game to end. But there was a sense of finality walking out of the arena. Sadly, I think Saturday nights' game was the last time we'll see an organized NHL game for quite awhile, especially if the NHLPA de-certification plans come to fruition. Hope I'm wrong.
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Great job on the recap. And fantastic job by the players!! So let's get this straight, the players put on a charity game at their own expense and the league can't even televise it, or at a minimum, match whatever the players raised? I am completely disgusted with Bettman and his gang of 8. Any proposal the players come up with should now include a fire Bettman clause as a mandatory component!
@gravey94 the NHL has yet to donate towards relief efforts the way MLB, NFL and NBA has. The NHLPA never donated either but the game itself was a decent way to giveback. I think it safe to say now that there was an effort behind the scenes to get the game broadcast on NBC, but im pretty sure tv executives aren't going to take college football off the air for an exhibition hockey game, as sad as that sounds
Great recap...although oddly enough I did recognize Eminger around the ice a little more than normal and he was one of 5 defenseman - Boyle played defense for the game. I know how you feel on that last part - I don't think anyone wanted to leave, including the players.
@Melissa (angelzeyes2521) you know i did find it odd that when boyle would go off for a change, eminger would hop in and vice versa.
@thenyrblogneill Lol! Yep, he was listed as defenseman in press notes. He wasn't half bad at it either.
Sucks that you didn't make it Kevin. It was an awesome night. Unfortunately, stupid me, I left the after party too soon and missed out on meeting all the players. Hung out until midnight and didn't think they'd show up but heard they went to Morton's Steakhouse first before heading to Dusk to hang with the fans. FML!!!
@TheNYRBlog @thenyrblogneill great article!! 100% on point. Felt like I just relived the game and now I'm sad again.. :))))(((?
@stefaniealva thanks :)) it wasn't easy to write that knowing the next "NHL" game could be 11 months away @TheNYRBlog
@theNYRblogneill @TheNYRBlog I'm sure it wasn't. Glad we got to go to that game though. Loved not paying the NHL...
Great story. As a fan who was there with his wife and kids, I say it was great to see hockey. A little banter with Flyer and Devil fans was fun. To end the night with the organ player starting MSG's favorite chant and all Ranger fans screaming Potvin Sucks was epic. Even the Flyer fans around us had a good laugh with that one Good job by all
