Tribute 31 YEARS AGO. LETS DISCUSS SOME MEMORIES

[NYRnine94]

Only losing franchise's fans talk nonstop about a 30+ cup. It's as pathetic as Cowboys fans bringing up their Super Bowls.

We are a losing franchise which is why 94 is so special to people. Ignore it when people talk about it if it bothers you so much. Don't roll your eyes because that makes you look weird. I mean, it is our team so f*** it right?

 

[SnowblindNYR]

We are a losing franchise which is why 94 is so special to people. Ignore it when people talk about it if it bothers you so much. Don't roll your eyes because that makes you look weird. I mean, it is our team so f*** it right?

I think most fans who aren't 65 years old would agree with me.

 

[NYRnine94]

I think most fans who aren't 65 years old would agree with me.

I don't think you really know what you're talking about but hey, that's a you problem.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I don't think you really know what you're talking about but hey, that's a you problem.

Step away from Facebook. Hell read HFBoards. I repeat again pathetic franchises have fans that worship a 30+ year old cup. I couldn't give two shits about 94. I can wipe my ass on that team.

 

[NYRnine94]

Step away from Facebook. Hell read HFBoards. I repeat again pathetic franchises have fans that worship a 30+ year old cup. I couldn't give two shits about 94. I can wipe my ass on that team.

I don't have facebook. And HFboards really doesn't speak for an entire fanbase. Sorry that 94 bothers you so much, maybe root for a team you like? Doesn't seem like you like this one too much.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I don't have facebook. And HFboards really doesn't speak for an entire fanbase. Sorry that 94 bothers you so much, maybe root for a team you like? Doesn't seem like you like this one too much.

1994 doesn't bother me. It's the worshipers of 1994 and fans that tell me that I should worship 1994 that bother me.

 

[NYRnine94]

1994 doesn't bother me. It's the worshipers of 1994 and fans that tell me that I should worship 1994 that bother me.

Who told you to worship it? You should UNDERSTAND why it was special to people, nobody cares if you worship it or not. And it really shouldn't bother you at all tbh. It's not that deep but hey, suit yourself.

 

[Captain Jellico]

There's a sizeable portion of this fanbase that talks about 94 the way that Pierre talks about Crosby.

Zubov is still underappreciated by this fanbase and I'm still pissed he was traded.

Here's my 94-related story: a decent number of years later, most of my friends in college were from New England and Red Sox fans. In some of my occasional moments of positivity, I'd always reassure them "hey man, I went through this in 1994, you guys will have your moment."

And once they got past the century mark as a franchise, they did in 2004 (and I was up there during the WS for a bit, it felt exactly like 94 here) and they've done in three more times since. So now that the Rangers are hitting their century mark, let us have some lucky bounces and breaks like the Red Sox. Let's have some of those what if moments like 1950, 1972, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2024 actually come through.

 

[mti79]

I was 14 when they won it. It was a school night. My mom tried to tell me to go to bed. I protested. She wasn't budging. My dad speaks up. Something along the lines of "I've never seen this in my lifetime. No idea when it'll ever happen again. He can stay up." Thanks Dad. He passed in 2010. I miss him every day but am eternally grateful he let me see it.

 

[romba]

1994 doesn't bother me. It's the worshipers of 1994 and fans that tell me that I should worship 1994 that bother me.

Lol let them live in the past at least they have a cup, you and I will sadly be telling the younguns how a cup was stolen from Hank and we were certain Igor was the second coming of Roy, and how we then won the lottery getting the 2nd overall most elite bottom 6er followed the next year by the 1st overall who is the most vanilla middle 6er….no wonder everyone is living in the past jeez

 

[Riche16]

1994 can be special without romanticizing it or worshipping it.

It was VERY special.

I was 20 yrs old & it'll be the only Cup they win in my lifetime & that's not because of my health.

This franchise plays the game differently & I don't mean on the ice.

It's built for revenue & that's all.

That fluke of a Cup is all it was. A fluke.

Sad truth

 

[savebyrichter94]

To be honest I actually hate how this franchise has turned 1994 into sort of a punchline for some people instead of continuing to build off of it , it’s become “remember that thing we did that one time” and whether you do or you don’t it’s gonna get rammed down your throat cause we can’t accomplish anything else

I loved that team and the memories I have from that period will definitely last my lifetime but it’s a shame we haven’t been able to give the post 94 generation the same memories, we got close and sure there were moments along the way that are timeless as well but nothing compares to winning that beautiful trophy

I try to walk the line of respecting the past and embracing the future and I hope all the fans who didn’t get to experience 1994 have the opportunity to live through something similar because they deserve to just like those of us who experienced 1994 did

 

[OriginalLimbo]

1994 can be special without romanticizing it or worshipping it.

It was VERY special.

I was 20 yrs old & it'll be the only Cup they win in my lifetime & that's not because of my health.

This franchise plays the game differently & I don't mean on the ice.

It's built for revenue & that's all.

That fluke of a Cup is all it was. A fluke.

Sad truth

This is very likely true.

Revenue has always been a feature. That cup was a bug.

 

[Daves a mess]

I was in a bar in Farmingdale.
I was really drunk.
Never got hugged by so many dudes in my life.

I called in sick for work less than 30 seconds after " and this one will last a lifetime"

 

[Lion Hound]

I was 21 yrs old when the Rangers won the Cup. At the time, my brother had season tickets. Sec 426. The old Blue seats! I rotated games in and out with my Father taking the games I didn’t go to.


Got to witness all 4 of the games vs the Isles. Both at the Garden and at the Coliseum. Game 3 of that series really stood out. Was at the Coliseum. I remember throughout the 2nd period Rangers fans chanting “Cant Score” in the Coliseum. Islander fans were leaving the arena at that point and there was still like a period and a half to go. Isles finally got one in that period but it was like 2 shutouts back to back and a full period and a half of not scoring in a Quarterfinal matchup. At that time the Isles/Rangers rivalry was much different than it is now. Beating them like they did was amazing.

Going into the Caps series all momentum was with the Rangers. They didn’t sweep it but they dominated it in convincing fashion. The City really rallied around the team. Was just something different about this team under Messier.


My brother had a great friend in Vancouver. They would go to the All Star games together every year. Also took visits to the HHOF where they eventually became close with Phil Pritchard and Craig Campbell. That friendship grew over the years which led to some amazing times in Toronto including my Bachelor Party which become my second best Hockey memory of all time which ill save for another thread someday. Our friend in Vancouver (Jim) made a pact with my Brother and my father that if the Rangers were ever to meet up with the Canucks that they would go to one of the games together.

During the Devils series, my father unfortunately landed in the Hospital with a heart attack. We blame that one on the Devs to this day. So when Matteau scored that magical OT winner in game 7, it was book flights to Vancouver. Here’s where luck was on my side. My father discharged but unable to fly due to his heart condition meant that I got the tap on the shoulder to attend game 6 in Vancouver.

I attended game 1 of the SC final at the Garden with my brother. Rangers were all over them but the puck just wouldn’t go in and the Canucks won in OT. For game 2, I didn’t get to attend. Lose a game, and I became the gooch. Was all good though. I was bartending in those years and got to watch the game in the Dugout Sports bar in Commack. Place was a madhouse and Rangers won. Next 2 games were in Vancouver. Rangers took both. Coming home to NY, for Game 5 Rangers up 3-1 all signs were pointing to a Cup win. My fathers wasn't going to miss that so he went into the game with my brother. Canucks however had other plans and they won decisevley. Onto game 6! My brother and I flew out there. Stayed in the Westin Bayshore which happened to be the same Hotel as the Rangers players and staff stayed in. Flying into Vancouver, the Radar station literally had a massive banner hanging from it that said “GO CANUCKS GO!”. Was so amazing to see how that city rallied around their team. The buzz was everywhere. NY was buzzing too, but the difference was in Vancouver. Everyone talked hockey. The cab drivers. The hotel concierge. The waiters and waitresses. Bartenders etc. All incredibly knowledgeable about the sport, and super friendly. One thing that stood out the most to me about the city was how clean it was. Literally you couldn’t find a cigarette butt on the street, no garbage. It was pristine! Onto the Arena. That night I saw only 1 other Rangers jersey other then the Graves jersey I was wearing. In 94 it wasen’t like it is today where everyone wears jerseys to games. The people within the Arena were amazing. Lets put it this way. If anyone has ever been to a Football game or a hockey game in Philly and your wearing Rangers or Giants jerseys you are likely going to get shit from Philly fans pretty much the entire time you are there. When Ben Kenobi referenced the city of Mos Isley’s in Star Wars, im pretty sure Lucas got inspiration from Philly for that line. “You will never find a more wreched hive of scum and villany”. Anyway, in Vancouver it wasent like that. People literally were buying us beers for being so dedicated that we flew across the US and into Canada to catch a game. I remember in the arena signs were a big deal. There was a massive sign hanging from the top bleachers that said …”Hey Messier, who beat you with the Ugly Stick” Game 6 was all Canucks. Rangers just couldn’t get it going. As the game went on, I was certain that I was the gooch again. Now attending my 2nd loss in person. After the game, the city just erupted. Everyone in Vancouver thought they were winning the cup and the fear was growing that the curse was real and the Rangers were going to lose game 7 at home. That night, we went back to the room after the game. All night long, literally people celebrated up and down Robson street. Car horns were Honking to “Go Canucks Go!” Some guy had a bull horn and was on it all night. It went on until the early hours of the morning. Being in the same hotel as the players I coudn't help but think that they too heard it, and it would get in their head. Flew back on the same day as game 7. My dad got to attend the game with my brother. It was his turn, and lets face it. He waited a lot longer then I did for this. I went into the city and stayed across the street at Hotel Penn. There was a good bar in there called Niles. Watched the first period there an the 2nd and 3rd up in the room. Tried to figure out ways to get into the garden but it wasent happening. Plus I didn’t want to gooch them again!

Game 7 was just an amazing game. When they won, I ran downstairs and celebrated with every Rangers fan that filled out into the street hugging strangers and chanting and partying into the night. Greatest hockey experience of my life.


Now 31 years later the Organization has failed to replicate it. Im glad that I was able to be a part of the first one but fear that this club is headed for dark times again. Remain optimistic, but fearing that I just wont get to see that magic again.

Pic below is my father with the cup and my Uncle In my Sisters house. May both RIP.

 

[Boris Zubov]

I was 21 yrs old when the Rangers won the Cup. At the time, my brother had season tickets. Sec 426. The old Blue seats! I rotated games in and out with my Father taking the games I didn’t go to.


Got to witness all 4 of the games vs the Isles. Both at the Garden and at the Coliseum. Game 3 of that series really stood out. Was at the Coliseum. I remember throughout the 2nd period Rangers fans chanting “Cant Score” in the Coliseum. Islander fans were leaving the arena at that point and there was still like a period and a half to go. Isles finally got one in that period but it was like 2 shutouts back to back and a full period and a half of not scoring in a Quarterfinal matchup. At that time the Isles/Rangers rivalry was much different than it is now. Beating them like they did was amazing.

Going into the Caps series all momentum was with the Rangers. They didn’t sweep it but they dominated it in convincing fashion. The City really rallied around the team. Was just something different about this team under Messier.


My brother had a great friend in Vancouver. They would go to the All Star games together every year. Also took visits to the HHOF where they eventually became close with Phil Pritchard and Craig Campbell. That friendship grew over the years which led to some amazing times in Toronto including my Bachelor Party which become my second best Hockey memory of all time which ill save for another thread someday. Our friend in Vancouver (Jim) made a pact with my Brother and my father that if the Rangers were ever to meet up with the Canucks that they would go to one of the games together.

During the Devils series, my father unfortunately landed in the Hospital with a heart attack. We blame that one on the Devs to this day. So when Matteau scored that magical OT winner in game 7, it was book flights to Vancouver. Here’s where luck was on my side. My father discharged but unable to fly due to his heart condition meant that I got the tap on the shoulder to attend game 6 in Vancouver.

I attended game 1 of the SC final at the Garden with my brother. Rangers were all over them but the puck just wouldn’t go in and the Canucks won in OT. For game 2, I didn’t get to attend. Lose a game, and I became the gooch. Was all good though. I was bartending in those years and got to watch the game in the Dugout Sports bar in Commack. Place was a madhouse and Rangers won. Next 2 games were in Vancouver. Rangers took both. Coming home to NY, for Game 5 Rangers up 3-1 all signs were pointing to a Cup win. My fathers wasn't going to miss that so he went into the game with my brother. Canucks however had other plans and they won decisevley. Onto game 6! My brother and I flew out there. Stayed in the Westin Bayshore which happened to be the same Hotel as the Rangers players and staff stayed in. Flying into Vancouver, the Radar station literally had a massive banner hanging from it that said “GO CANUCKS GO!”. Was so amazing to see how that city rallied around their team. The buzz was everywhere. NY was buzzing too, but the difference was in Vancouver. Everyone talked hockey. The cab drivers. The hotel concierge. The waiters and waitresses. Bartenders etc. All incredibly knowledgeable about the sport, and super friendly. One thing that stood out the most to me about the city was how clean it was. Literally you couldn’t find a cigarette butt on the street, no garbage. It was pristine! Onto the Arena. That night I saw only 1 other Rangers jersey other then the Graves jersey I was wearing. In 94 it wasen’t like it is today where everyone wears jerseys to games. The people within the Arena were amazing. Lets put it this way. If anyone has ever been to a Football game or a hockey game in Philly and your wearing Rangers or Giants jerseys you are likely going to get shit from Philly fans pretty much the entire time you are there. When Ben Kenobi referenced the city of Mos Isley’s in Star Wars, im pretty sure Lucas got inspiration from Philly for that line. “You will never find a more wreched hive of scum and villany”. Anyway, in Vancouver it wasent like that. People literally were buying us beers for being so dedicated that we flew across the US and into Canada to catch a game. I remember in the arena signs were a big deal. There was a massive sign hanging from the top bleachers that said …”Hey Messier, who beat you with the Ugly Stick” Game 6 was all Canucks. Rangers just couldn’t get it going. As the game went on, I was certain that I was the gooch again. Now attending my 2nd loss in person. After the game, the city just erupted. Everyone in Vancouver thought they were winning the cup and the fear was growing that the curse was real and the Rangers were going to lose game 7 at home. That night, we went back to the room after the game. All night long, literally people celebrated up and down Robson street. Car horns were Honking to “Go Canucks Go!” Some guy had a bull horn and was on it all night. It went on until the early hours of the morning. Being in the same hotel as the players I coudn't help but think that they too heard it, and it would get in their head. Flew back on the same day as game 7. My dad got to attend the game with my brother. It was his turn, and lets face it. He waited a lot longer then I did for this. I went into the city and stayed across the street at Hotel Penn. There was a good bar in there called Niles. Watched the first period there an the 2nd and 3rd up in the room. Tried to figure out ways to get into the garden but it wasent happening. Plus I didn’t want to gooch them again!

Game 7 was just an amazing game. When they won, I ran downstairs and celebrated with every Rangers fan that filled out into the street hugging strangers and chanting and partying into the night. Greatest hockey experience of my life.


Now 31 years later the Organization has failed to replicate it. Im glad that I was able to be a part of the first one but fear that this club is headed for dark times again. Remain optimistic, but fearing that I just wont get to see that magic again.

Awesome story. I wound up at the Hotel Penn at about 2am with some people I met at the game. I forget which bar we were drinking at, but it was pretty lively.

Didn't make it back to Queens until 7am. The other side of the LIRR platform was full of people going to work & I got a bunch of stares from commuters who could clearly see I was wearing yesterday's clothes. I had a 20 minute walk home, where my mother had to unlock the deadbolt on my front door knowing I was out all night with no call. I was 22 at the time, but instead of giving me shit, she gave me a huge smile & said "They did it!".

I managed to get 45 minutes of sleep, then got back on a train back to the city for work.

I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat...One of the best nights of my life.

 

[Lion Hound]

Awesome story, I wound up at the Hotel Penn at about 2am with some people I met at the game. I forget which bar we were drinking at, but it was pretty lively.

Didn't make it back to Queens until 7am. The other side of the LIRR platform was full of people going to work & I got a bunch of stares from commuters who could clearly see I was wearing yesterday's clothes. I had a 20 minute walk home, where my mother had to unlock the deadbolt on my front door knowing I was out all night with no call. I was 22 at the time, but instead of giving me shit, she gave me a huge smile & said "They did it!".

I managed to get 45 minutes of sleep, then got back on a train back to the city for work.

I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat...One of the best nights of my life.

Love it!

 

[bobbop]

I could write a book with all of my memories (fan since I was 7 years old) from that playoff and the 1994 season, but one sticks in my mind. I rushed home from a meeting in Harrisburg to change and get ready for the train for Game 7. I went to grab my lucky Rangers blue nylon jacket and instead grabbed my son’s Cubs jacket. That’s what I wore to the rink that night.

Buying season tickets in January of 1994 will go down as the best life decision I ever made.

 

[NCRanger]

I've been a "fan" since the late 70's, but really didn't know much until 1981 or 1982.

1986, **** you, Roy. 1988, **** you Devils and the NHL playoff system. 1990, if Leetch didn't get hurt.

1994. 31 years later this year. Maybe it was a fluke. The 1991-92 team was probably better, but got hit with that absolutely stupid work stoppage, which destroyed that team's momentum, and also created the thought that "it's perfectly fine to play the Finals into June".

I went to a lot of games that year, both Rangers and Devils. Never saw either team lose. My buddy, who I went to a lot of the games with, won the Ranger lottery for playoff tickets. He chose the first two rounds. The Islanders series turned out to be a complete destruction, even though a lot of Ranger fans were worried about it because of the recent history; it was only in March that a Ranger team finally won in Nassau for the first time in years.

Capitals series started off easily enough. My dad and me went to Landover for Game 4. Sure enough, the Rangers lose. I also went to Game 5, where Richter gave up a 160 foot goal, and Leetch had to turn into Bobby Orr to win the game late.

My buddy and me decided to get Devils tickets for Rounds 3 and 4. I went to Game 4. Yuck. Game 5 looked worse. I REFUSED to go to Game 6 because I didn't see the Devils lose all year and did not want to continue that.

Anyway, I went to the Garden to watch the games in Vancouver.

My dad and me went to the parade 31 years ago today.

I never thought that would be the only one I would have seen so far.

 

[AKA Chief]

'94 was the only Cup in my lifetime, there is no way I will ever undersell that championship.

One of my memories was calling a ticket scalper (back when there was no legal secondary market). I asked how much tix cost for Game 5. The response was, "If you have to ask, you can't afford them," and he hangs up on me.

 

[Baby Duck Homme]

I was in MSG for game 6 to watch it on the scoreboard My poor asa couldn’t get in the building when we played there. We lost game 6 and everyone left dejected.

Then we won game 7 at home as we should have. I screamed in the streets for a half hour until I was hoarse.

 

[TopShelfSnipes]

Glad we're finally moving past 94 in the fanbase. At least over here. You still hear old farts waxing poetic about it on Facebook.

In fairness, that's all Facebook is these days. I activated my account after years of having it inactive, and it's just straight Boomerville these days. That and reposts from IG for people who've linked their accounts.

Other than friending people and accepting requests from people I hadn't yet met the last time I used it, I really haven't used it at all.

No disrespect to the old heads here, Facebook just sucks lol

 

[SnowblindNYR]

In fairness, that's all Facebook is these days. I activated my account after years of having it inactive, and it's just straight Boomerville these days. That and reposts from IG for people who've linked their accounts.

Other than friending people and accepting requests from people I hadn't yet met the last time I used it, I really haven't used it at all.

No disrespect to the old heads here, Facebook just sucks lol

Eh, I use it. But it's not even close what it was even 10 years ago. It's unrecognizeable. Just group page after group page, most are "suggestions" so not even groups that I liked.

Almost nothing from my friends. Though, that makes me wonder if that's the algorithm (most likely) or just less engagement than there once was.

 

[TopShelfSnipes]

Eh, I use it. But it's not even close what it was even 10 years ago. It's unrecognizeable. Just group page after group page, most are "suggestions" so not even groups that I liked.

Almost nothing from my friends. Though, that makes me wonder if that's the algorithm (most likely) or just less engagement than there once was.

Not sure. I've clicked through a few actual profiles because I was off it for so long just to catch up, and it's incredibly common to see people with no significant photos or posts in years, or less than 5 posts over the past 7-8 years.

It really does seem like a ghost town compared to what it used to be.

I haven't even looked at the news feed because it's atrocious, especially compared to Instagram. My wife showed me hers - half the stuff on it has no relevance to her and isn't even remotely related to anyone she's friends with or follows. And she works in IT and is very intentional about what she engages with/clicks on, so there's no reason for it.