The Mystique of the Potvin Chant

By Paul Miller

Like many Rangers fans, last March I was very relieved when I learned that a deal had fallen through to bull-doze Madison Square Garden and build a new cookie-cutter arena a block over to replace the enormous Farley Post Office on 8th Ave. Instead, MSG will soon be renovated for the first time since the early ’90s. That’s probably a good thing as long as Junior Dolan does a better job with his toy than a then-young George Steinbrenner did with his treasure, the soon-to-be Late Yankee Stadium, back in the early/mid-70s.

I doubt that the nearly 30-years-running “Potvin Sucks!” chant would have disappeared in a new MSG. But it’s sure to continue indefinitely inside the charming, hockey puck-shaped monstrosity of a structure between 7th and 8th avenues…ah, can’t beat it…that’ll remain intact — refreshed and rejuvenated, but intact.

It’s easy to take for granted how the “Potvin Sucks” chant started if you’ve been a fan as long as I have (40 years). But I’m guessing that a good many wonder just why and how a good 30%-50% of fans will seemingly out of nowhere scream it out in the middle of a game. In fact, when the Daily Del Franco asked me to write this little ode, I was like “whatever for?” He reminded me there’s really nothing like the “Potvin” chant in sports.

First, a little background on the vulgar chant for those of you unclear or too young. It began not long after Islanders defensive legend Denis Potvin checked Rangers' star center Ulf Nilsson on Feb. 25, 1979, and broke his ankle. Nilsson missed the remainder of that season and although he returned for the playoffs, he only got into two games from the four series the Rangers played that year.

The incident is a reminder of an ugly moment. Rangers fans and players who were there that night have always contended it was a dirty hit (though I believe it went unpenalized); Islanders faithful claimed Nilsson got his skate caught on a chip in the ice that led to his taking an awkward fall following what they contended was a clean hit. (And the ice at MSG has, historically, been pretty awful, what with all the events that take place on top of it.)

But at the same time, it reminds all Rangers faithful of one of the team’s greatest moments: Less than three months later, they knocked off the heavily favored Islanders in the semi-final playoff series 4 games to 2, before eventually falling to the Canadiens, 4-1 in the Stanley Cup finals.

As for the chant itself, it gets started (and the crowd gets its cue) this way: First, it comes during a period of time during games when the action has slowed. A goal hasn’t been scored in awhile; the two teams are more or less wallowing around between the blue lines. Some of the less interested head for the snack bars for over-priced hot dogs and $4 Cokes. Then some fan usually starts it by whistling a famous college fight song, of which the name escapes me. I don’t know how anyone’s able to whistle loud enough for 18,200 people to hear it, but somehow somebody does. Then after the last three notes are blown, everybody shouts “Potvin Sucks!” And with rare exception, it’s quite loud — especially if the Rangers are leading at the time.

This isn’t only a Where else, but New York? sort of thing. It’s a Who else, but Rangers fans? thing as well. And it underscores the unforgettable experience of watching a Rangers game at MSG. I can’t make the judgment that it’s louder than anywhere else, because I’ve only seen hockey in about a half-dozen other NHL arenas. But the thing you do hear many Ranger players talk about regarding a home game is the knowledgeable fans. There’s no doubt we do know our game, our team, our arena and so on better than just about any other team’s fans. The noises we fans shout out have greater meaning than those shouted by other fans in other arenas and stadiums. If we boo, it’s for good reason, and not just for the hell of it.

Sure, there are plenty of slimy, beer-guzzling assholes in attendance at most games. But they know what they’re talking about when it comes to Rangers hockey. And even if they spill beer on my head, that’s a special thing to be a part of.

Paul Miller has lived and died with the New York Rangers more times than he cares to remember. This is his first piece for TDD.

What I learned Friday...

The Flubs, I mean Cubs, will drive you crazy. Incidentally the ball hit by Manny has yet to come down. Manny's the MVP. Period. Heard Dick Stockton call some of these games. Good to hear him again. Nuts and bolts broadcaster. Solid.

Of the Palin and Biden debate. "Can I call you Joe?" What the heck was that Sarah? (And thank god she wore something other than a red suit) Like her or hate her, the fact that Palin couldn't name one Supreme Court ruling in that Couric interview was embarrasing.

For my next Fantasy politcal moderator draft, I'm taking Jim Lehrer over Gwen Ifill with my top pick. I wonder..Is Charlie Gibson is a keeper?

Anyone see that Brian Cashman press conference this week? The dude seemed angry. Maybe the baby Steinys are putting the screws to him behind the scenes.

Watch Amy Reulbach sitting in this week on Today. That's it. Nothing else. Just watch.

In a puff piece profile regarding Anne Hathaway, one of the glamour rags hardly mentioned Anne's jailed boyfriend...that Follieri fellow. Bad job. Even for a slick celebrity rag? BTW, the fact that everyone is hyping Rachel Gets Married means it has to suck. Be nice to see Anne on Oscar night, however.

Saw Jonathan Coachman, formerly of the WWE, doing ESPN News this morning. He does highlights with the same flair that he did WWE. Do I like him? I dunno..I'm still wrestling with it.

(Get it? Wrestling? Nobody gets me)

Seacrest Out.

2008-09 NY Rangers Outlook

2008-09 NY Rangers Outlook
By Joe DeAngelis

The New York Rangers have just concluded pre-season training camp at their state-of-the-art MSG Training Center facility in Tarrytown, NY preparing to embark on another grueling NHL campaign.

The Blueshirts will feature several prominent changes in personal, most notably in the leadership department. Gone are Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Martin Straka and Fedor Tyutin, and enter Markus Naslund, Nikolai Zherdev, Patrick Rissmiller, and Wade Redden.

Wade Redden, if not the Rangers most attractive acquisition is clearly the front offices’ most responsible addition. Redden gives the team a much needed offensive presence on the blueline and veteran stability in the defensive zone, something the Rangers seriously lacked since the departure of Brain Leetch.

Team general manager Glen Sather apparently felt the time is right for the Rangers to part ways with their most expensive scoring talent in the aging Jaromir Jagr. Sather offset this significant loss with the signing of upbeat free agents LW Markus Naslund, from Vancouver and RW Nikolai Zherdev from Columbus, both been known to light the lamp regularly.

Perhaps the largest loss the Rangers suffered this off-season was losing LW Sean Avery to Dallas. His feistyness, and uncanny ability to take an opponent off his game, will surely be missed, just ask Martin Brodeur. Despite losing the antagonistic flair of Avery, the Rangers retain plenty of muscle that includes forwards Blair Betts, Coulton Orr and the newly acqured Aaron Voros.

The 2008-09 Rangers will only be as good as their goaltender Henrik Lunqvist. “Hank” is the backbone of his team, and although he is not the perfect goalie, he is more than capable of getting the job done. With apologies to Guy Hebert, it’s safe to say that Lundqvist is the Rangers finest goaltender since Mike Richter. The Swedish puck-stopper is close to becoming the standard of excellence at his position.

PRUCHA ? PRUCHA ? HAS ANYBODY SEEN PETR PRUCHA ? Will somebody please put in an order of one bounce-back year for Petr Prucha.

I anxiously await to see if the corps of youth the Rangers farmed will finally pay major dividends. Will sophomore Brandon Dubinsky continue to grow into the goal scorer the team believes he could become ? Can 6’ 05” Marc Staal make fans forget that the Rangers need a big defenseman ? Will Ryan Callahan find that fire that once propelled him in the 2006 playoffs ? I know I’m really reaching here but will 6’ 04” RW Huge Jessiman ever make varsity ?

In the years prior to the NHL salary cap era, the Rangers were heavily mocked by the hockey community for “buying” talent with their fat wallets hoping to forge success on the laurels of legendary players past. The names of Dionne, Lafleur, Gretzky and Lindros remind us all too well that buying one’s glorified history does not translate into immediate success, which brings us to Brendan Shanahan. Perhaps it’s best for Shanahan to say home this year.

I like the direction the current Rangers are going. Losing a primadonna like Jagr and an aging Brendan Shanahan along with their hefty salaries, will allow the team to acquire more gritty players who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and go to work, for it’s this type of player (see Adam Graves) that champions are made of.

Today I launch my campaign to bring back Bobby Granger commercials, and can somebody properly explain icing to my wife , I just don’t have the words.

This is Joe DeAngelis' first piece for the TDD. An unabashed Ranger fan, Joe lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children.

What I've Learned....(Monday edition)

Okay:

I took a break from diaper-duty to weigh in on some pressing news, breaking and otherwise:

I've yet to see any media outlet really explain the financial credit mess intelligently. For some unexplicable reason, the media outlets are focusing on how Obama/McCain will deal with it. Important yes, but let's see some expertise in explaining this mess to Ma and Pa on Main Street.

Memo to the New York Times: Before we run another anti McCain story on the front page can we get some sources or perhaps better not run the story?

Score one for Katie Couric. Took more than a year but she finally made news for more than perkiness with that Sarah Palin interview. (I notice how she stopped saying "Hi everybody" when opening the newscast)

Nobody gives a rat's behind about Daddy's-to-be in the Operating Room. Either you stay on that stool or you count the ring lights when you drop. It's your choice.

Does it make me a bad person to be thinking about a Marion Barber/Julius Jones/Felix Jones lineup combo during he operation?

When having a surgery it's crucial to stay ahead of the pain with medication.

It's no long Willie Randolph's fault. Say hello to Bobby Valentine..Your next NY Mets manager. What a joke to have the Shea celebration after the Mets collapse. Celebration? More like a funeral.

Any reason why the Yankees started winning when all the pressure was off?

More later. I hear the baby....