(As I've said in other posts): my earliest NYR memories are from 1958, I was a hardcore fan since 1963, and a season ticket holder in the old blue seats from 1969-1976. I am still a hardcore fan who rarely misses a game on TV. I've raised two hardcore Rangers fans. I would never say that age brings wisdom, as it is untrue. Age brings experience but that experience is often not used productively. Sometimes I think that it is only the young who see things clearly. But, here is one thing I've learned: you cannot judge your happiness as a fan based only on championships. You have to take your happiness where you find it. If your happiness is only based on championships, you are doomed to a life of frustration. If being a fan only brings you anger and frustration, why bother? In my time as a sports fan, I have only seen a few championships: the Rangers in 94 (I must say, one of the highlights of my life), the Mets in 69 and 86, and the Giants 4X. I am not a basketball fan, so I don't list the few Knicks championships here. Sure, we all want to win, that is the point, isn't it? But being the last team standing cannot be the be-all and end-all of your fandom. Again, that will doom you to a life of frustration. As the NHL has grown from 6 to the current number, it has gotten harder and harder. Do I regret all those years of being eliminated in the playoffs? Well, one effect of being a long-time and older fan is that it is easier to move on. It wasn't so when I was younger, that is for certain. Last year was a great year, one of the most enjoyable in my 60+ years as a fan. The end was frustrating, certainly. We all want to win. One championship in 60+ years is frustrating. Do I regret 59+ years of frustration? Not for a second. Am I already looking forward to next year? Of course. We're at the time of the summer when I crave hearing Sam Rosen's voice. Do I have realistic expectations for the coming year? Certainly. do I expect to win the Cup? No. Last year was a joy: the emergence of Laf., the endless comeback wins, the outdoor game, Kreider's march up the all-time Ranger records, winning two rounds of the playoffs. The end was disappointing, certainly, though not unexpected. Maybe age does bring you a bit of wisdom after all. I bleed Ranger blue, and have for all these decades. Do I regret a moment of it? No, as frustrating as it has been. I really don't understand anger at particular players, unless poor play is the result of laziness or poor conditioning. Nobody is perfect: there are other teams out there trying to win. So, my message is: take your happiness as a fan where and when you can get it. Championships come along rarely, and it is certainly much more difficult now that there are 32 teams and not six. One championship in 60+ years: do I regret being a Ranger fan? Not for a second. Am I frustrated with that number? Certainly. Can I be critical of Drury (and other GMs and coaches)? Certainly. I never understand how some posters seem to hate players. Be upset with how they are playing? Absolutely. But sometimes that hatred seems to become personal pointing to the supposed moral failing of players. Anyway, that's my spiel for today. Looking forward to the start of training camp, come what may.
