Bandwagon Critical Mass - When will it Happen?

[*Bob Richards*]

Where I live, its not that I see more Rangers gear being brought out, just significantly less Devils stuff.

 

[GordonGecko]

Where I live, its not that I witness more Rangers gear being brought out, just significantly less Devils stuff.

that's what you call, "secondary benefits"

 

[Sigmapete1]

Was listening to Stepven A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco today at 1. They actually lead off the show with a lot of Rangers talk. They tried their best. Steven A is actually pretty excited about it which is nice because I think what the Rangers are doing is special right now and he'll bring the basketball crowd into it. But after about 4 minutes they had to bring Don Lagreca in to verify some stuff and ask questions. Which is good because he knows the game. Love Don.

Don is very knowledgeable about hockey and the Rangers in particular because he sometimes does the radio play by play and frequently does the radio pre/post game.

BUT....if you listen to the Michael Kay/Don LaGrecca radio show enough, he has sometimes let it slip that he is in fact a DEVILS FAN. He is from the northern NJ area and I suspect he got into hockey as an adult. He has mentioned that he got the Giants and Mets fandom from his father who never watched hockey. So I suspect he became a hockey fan around when the Devils came to NJ.

That being said, he is very unbiased and intelligent in his analysis and you can tell he has a lot of respect for the Rangers even if he roots for the Devils in his private life.

One of the ongoing jokes on the MK/DL radio show is Kay ragging on Don about letting Maloney jump all over his play by play. I think its hilarious to hear Maloney get all excited about the game.

(I just discovered this board and immediately signed up, no hockey fans here at work and my closest friends are mostly Devils fans so I'm pumped to read what everyone has to say about the series)

 

[Hockey Team]

Speaking of playoff towels, that reminds me of when I clogged a devils toilet in 2012 after the game 6 loss, lol.

 

[Flavius]

See, this is what I don't get about this market. The New York Rangers have been playing at least 22-41 games a year in the most famous arena in the world since 19 freaking 26; it's not like this is a new phenomenon - like some new lacrosse or soccer league or niche sport or something.

While I accept (but don't understand) that some people might not like the best "live" game of the 4 major sports, it deserves way more attention than it receives. I don't think we're at the level of hockey interest of other Original 6 cities Detroit, Boston, Chicago, let alone markets like Philly and Pittsburgh that have only been in existence since '67. Is there a dearth of hockey talk on the FAN because the market doesn't want to discuss it, or does the market not discuss it because the hosts don't want to/aren't able to? Then the larger question is, is this due to only 1 championship since 1940? Or perhaps a function of the city's wide ethnic diversity for whom the sport of hockey doesn't resonate?

Well, the Fan also carries baseball games at night (Mets for all the years up until now, with the Yankees hopping aboard) so it makes sense for them to talk it up more often anyway to generate interest and ratings. Same thing with ESPN and their obsession with the NBA/Lebron. They carry playoff games, and are owned by the same company that owns ABC (the carrier of the prime games), so it makes sense for them to never shut the **** up about basketball on their programs.

As far as the bandwagoners are concerned, I both love it and hate it. I've enjoyed them actually getting the back pages for once (something I complained about a lot in 2012) and the buzz on radio and some national TV. I guess the reason I dislike it is because most of us here have struggled with this team for so long, not only this season but in the previous seasons as well, and now some casual fan/newbie will be able to take part in the emotion of victory IF they win without being a part of the struggle. It sounds utterly stupid because what they do shouldn't affect my love for the team, but I guess it's just human nature.

 

[TeamStewie]

See, this is what I don't get about this market. The New York Rangers have been playing at least 22-41 games a year in the most famous arena in the world since 19 freaking 26; it's not like this is a new phenomenon - like some new lacrosse or soccer league or niche sport or something.

While I accept (but don't understand) that some people might not like the best "live" game of the 4 major sports, it deserves way more attention than it receives. I don't think we're at the level of hockey interest of other Original 6 cities Detroit, Boston, Chicago, let alone markets like Philly and Pittsburgh that have only been in existence since '67. Is there a dearth of hockey talk on the FAN because the market doesn't want to discuss it, or does the market not discuss it because the hosts don't want to/aren't able to? Then the larger question is, is this due to only 1 championship since 1940? Or perhaps a function of the city's wide ethnic diversity for whom the sport of hockey doesn't resonate?

I think the sports radio problem feeds on itself. They hire people who have no interest or knowledge of hockey so people don't even bother to try and call and talk hockey which leads to them thinking that no one cares about hockey.

 

[Fletch]

it's not just ESPN's obsession with Lebron, it's the people who watch ESPN. It's often interesting to think about whether it's ESPN who makes these people, or if it's ESPN who's trying to give people what they want to see and hear. I think it's more the latter, but it's accentuated in a way to make them the outlet people choose to go to. Hockey will always be where it is. Heck, at some point I think people thought hockey may go the way of the NASL. When ESPN dropped hockey, it was a kind of dark day, and then OLN picked them up and we were like, great, fishing and hockey.

As for bandwagoners...well, love it because it helps the sport. Can't blame people. Heck, I had season tickets for years. Went to 44 games a year on some years (those wonderful non-playoff years (went to the three preseason games at home)). I had the NHL ticket since it was first available. I posted a lot, starting with nj.com and working my way to Corn Flake's Hockey world and other places. I've been absent mostly the last few years but have found time to watch again. Can't name every Canadien player like I used to be able to do so. But still can be considered a "bandwagoner", if you will. Lots of things to do in the City. Work at a job that gets you home during the third period, have a kid that keeps you busy on weekends, and you just don't have the time. Sure it's like that in other places, but I think that's the schedule of a fair amount of us in NYC. The media goes where there will be interest and dollars. Too scared to be a trendsetter because trendsetting can put you out of business. Enjoy the time. I remember the bandwagoners in '94. It was fun. Every night at a bar. Rangers, Knicks, Rangers, Knicks, etc.

 

[ReggieDunlop68]

I think it's time the big apple rallied around the Rangers.

If the city can't fully unite around this countries 4th or 5th most popular sport, a sport whose foundation is from another country, in a city with the demographic diversity greater than the Eurasian region, in an area where there are no frozen lakes to skate on and playing street hockey would result in a fatality, this is not the city I love!

LGR!

 

[AHB*]

I was sincerely scared when I committed to buy the playoff tickets and didnt look closely enough at the price rises through the rounds. I thought if by some miracle they made it all the way to the SCF I would be screwed on money I could never get back. All of a sudden the people who work in my office with me have been asking about playoff tickets and how much it would cost for them to lure them away from me.. Crazy numbers thrown around. These are people whom I do not think watched a single regular season game. I'm in central Jersey as well (heart of Devil country) so yeah bandwagon affect is full force here!

One SCF game will effectively pay for nearly the entire playoffs.

I've sold one game per round thus far. I won't sell Game 4 if we have a chance to clinch, so I'll take a hit this round, but overall it's not a massive expense if you can part with a game per round.

Not to mention, we only had one game 7.

The SCF is expensive, but I might never get a chance to see it again.

 

[AHB*]

Hahahah Rangers fans are like TV fans when some acquaintance of theirs all of a sudden likes their favorite tv show after its aired 3-4 seasons.

Or 20+ years.

 

[Hockey Team]

Damn, I have a vegas trip planned for May 29 - June 3. Looks like I'll be missing some games

 

[AHB*]

Damn, I have a vegas trip planned for May 29 - June 3. Looks like I'll be missing some games

Game 7 would be May 31. You might miss a game, possibly two. Assuming both series' don't end in sweeps.

Or, you can cancel your trip.

 

[Hockey Team]

Game 7 would be May 31. You might miss a game, possibly two.

Or, you can cancel your trip.

Well, there might be game 1 of the SCF played somewhere in there.

And I really can't cancel. I have the flight booked, and I made a commitment to my blackjack team who's also flying out to go play.

 

[Petey Pucks]

If the Rangers make it to the SCF, it'll get nuts around here, probably more so than in 1994. And it's all good with me. I don't mind bandwagon fans. It doesn't affect me in the slightest. I hope to see some Ranger hysteria real soon!

it will never be more so than 1994...you can count on that

Definitely starting to see more Rangers paraphernalia on the streets.

Not really near '94 levels though, which is understandable considering that team was on a quest to break the curse. There were some really great storylines and defining moments in that run, such as Messier's guarantee and Matteau's 2OT goal, which caused that team to become endearing to the casual NY sports fan. The Rangers and the NHL's popularity was peaking and the lockout ruined the momentum.

this

 

[Captain Monglobster]

I was listening to ESPN radio early this morning. The hosts were talking about making two 30 minute halves and eliminating fighting like they were necessary changes to make in order for hockey to become competitive with the other sports.

Things like that make me wish I lived in Canada sometimes.

Oh yea and don't even bother comparing this to 94, nothing will ever be that.

 

[Petey Pucks]

See, this is what I don't get about this market. The New York Rangers have been playing at least 22-41 games a year in the most famous arena in the world since 19 freaking 26; it's not like this is a new phenomenon - like some new lacrosse or soccer league or niche sport or something.

While I accept (but don't understand) that some people might not like the best "live" game of the 4 major sports, it deserves way more attention than it receives. I don't think we're at the level of hockey interest of other Original 6 cities Detroit, Boston, Chicago, let alone markets like Philly and Pittsburgh that have only been in existence since '67. Is there a dearth of hockey talk on the FAN because the market doesn't want to discuss it, or does the market not discuss it because the hosts don't want to/aren't able to? Then the larger question is, is this due to only 1 championship since 1940? Or perhaps a function of the city's wide ethnic diversity for whom the sport of hockey doesn't resonate?

Chicago was dead for years, especially during the late bill wirtz ownership era. this was a guy who blacked out home games on TV to get fans to buy tickets. He was an ******* for lack of a better word. His son Rocky is responsible for the late Blackhawk revival. He changed a lot of things for the better

I spent a lot of time in Chicago in 2007/early2008....the blackhawks were dead then

 

[CHGoalie27]

This year is for those that watched every game from summer 1997 until summer 2005. And every year after.

This is for those that can still smell that concrete, p!ss, and beer smell even after the renovations.

This is for those that base their everyday schedule around when NYR games are.

This is for those who developed a new curse.

This is for those who have NYR tattoos, or would get one if they were the type to have tattoos.

This is for those who come to these boards because they have the urge to ***** about losses and share the glory of victories.

This is for US! What we've waited 20 years for- TALENT PLAYING AS A TEAM~!

Bandwagoners can give any of us a better feeling of self in this whole thing, because we in our hearts know…=LIFE

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

This year is for those that watched every game from summer 1997 until summer 2005. And every year after.

This is for those that can still smell that concrete, p!ss, and beer smell even after the renovations.

This is for those that base their everyday schedule around when NYR games are.

This is for those who developed a new curse.

This is for those who have NYR tattoos, or would get one if they were the type to have tattoos.

This is for those who come to these boards because they have the urge to ***** about losses and share the glory of victories.

This is for US! What we've waited 20 years for- TALENT PLAYING AS A TEAM~!

Bandwagoners can give any of us a better feeling of self in this whole thing, because we in our hearts know…=LIFE

After years or struggling we get to the Conference final twice in 3 years. This is so sweet to go through as a fan. This season, since January, it's been a tad easier to miss sleep or sacrifice a day at work to watch our Rangers.

 

[Jersey Girl]

There is a house on our block that has had a New York Rangers garden flag in front of their house since the eve of game one of the Flyers series.

Oh wait...it's us!

 

[BwayBshirt]

Figured this belonged here. Not sure if mentioned already:

http://nypost.com/2014/05/20/ticket-prices-skyrocket-for-rangers-playoff-games/

With the Rangers at home for the first time in 11 days, Chris Matcovich, vice president of data & communications for TiqIQ, isn’t surprised by the overwhelming demand to see a team whose championship hopes have soared since it last played a game in New York.

If the Rangers win two more games and advance to the Cup finals for the first time since 1994, Matcovich expects fans will see ticket prices on par with February’s Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium.

 

[BwayBshirt]

I feel like it's smaller than even 2012. I mean, this kind of came out of nowhere. It's not like we were a dominant regular season team. We were down 3-1 against Pittsburgh. And then bam! We're up 2-0 in the Conference Finals. Honestly, it doesn't even feel real. I don't know how to process it. And I don't think the bandwagon has had enough time to get all hyped up.

I've been seeing a lot more Rangers shirts and hats the last 2 weeks. After the game last night I saw Rangers posts left and right on facebook from people whom I know aren't fans. It's just starting later than 2012 for some reason.

2 years ago, the Rangers had a record-setting regular season.

In fact, the regular season was so good that there was time to plan a ton of crap for the postseason. Remember the subway trains that got the full makeover for the playoffs?

But something tells me that the RANGERSTOWN display at Herald Square on the weekend is the probable start of a whirlwind here.

 

[aufheben]

2 years ago, the Rangers had a record-setting regular season.

In fact, the regular season was so good that there was time to plan a ton of crap for the postseason. Remember the subway trains that got the full makeover for the playoffs?

But something tells me that the RANGERSTOWN display at Herald Square on the weekend is the probable start of a whirlwind here.

Do they keep Ron Duguay there 24/7?

 

[LORENZO]

I just back from a run through Prospect park and I saw 3 guys running/cycling with Rangers caps on.

I also noticed in the NHL store today that the Rangers "team" Tshirt with everyones name and number has sold out.

 

[TheTakedown]

Rangers fever is starting to pick up where I live and work in Suffolk County. I see more Rangers shirts and hats being worn and everybody where I work is talking about them.

Same. Was down at a music festival in Asbury park and saw lots of rangers jerseys.. Lots of others wearing sharks and bruins gear...

Hockey picking up in the jersey area since the rangers have been doing well.

 

[gardenparty]

Chicago was dead for years, especially during the late bill wirtz ownership era. this was a guy who blacked out home games on TV to get fans to buy tickets. He was an ******* for lack of a better word. His son Rocky is responsible for the late Blackhawk revival. He changed a lot of things for the better

I spent a lot of time in Chicago in 2008....the blackhawks were dead then

I was going to clarify that in my post, but it's little complicated to explain. You are bang on - Chicago USED to be a hockey graveyard (season tickets at 3,400, no TV, no interest). But through new ownership (Bill Wirtz's son Rocky), solid management, astute drafting, clever trades, great marketing, and lots of exposure, they've resurrected that franchise into one of the best in the NHL; one that now leads the league in attendance and garners MASSIVE local TV ratings. It's actually one of the biggest turnarounds and "good news" stories in sports.

Local rights holder WGN-TV, which just signed a new 3 year contract with the Hawks, set a hockey ratings record earlier this year. Their Jan. 5 game against San Jose(!) saw more than 275,000 Chicago-area households tune in. That is massive.

The Blackhawks averaged about a 4.5 rating on CSN this season, according to the team. Comparing this number to the Cubs, they averaged a 1.7 rating last season on CSN. So the simple answer is Chicago was a dormant hockey market, now it's vibrant.