Was the 1994 Eastern Conf. Finals the greatest series ever?
by Cherno77 on Aug 25, 2010 7:27 PM EDT
Email
PrintAfter looking at the Rags' Mount Puckmore on Puck Daddy today and its subsequent blowback - Jagr, really?
While I think I see Blueshirt Banter's logic, when he says about Jagr:
He brought the Rangers back to respectability, and made them a relevant franchise again.
I would say that getting swept by the Devils in 2006, after 7 years of playoffs absences with a very injured Jagr didn't make them relevant or respectable. A guy like Lundqvist makes much more sense if you're going to go with a recent Ranger who broke the playoff drought.
However, before I came to Jagr, I read the write up of Messier and Matteau. Now, Ranger fans have sometimes heckled many of us with the "Matteau" chant, which BTW was the radio call. (If you were watching TV, you heard Gary Thorne on ESPN mistakenly say "1940 is history." Now maybe he meant what we all knew - that the winner of the East would win the Cup, but still).
The Rangers victory in 1994 didn't diminish the importance this series had for me as a Devils fan and for others. The Devils were the underdog and fought tooth-and-nail. I was sad for a day or two after Game 7, but ultimately proud of the Devils. This guy's opinion (at 3:10) sums it up. Keep in mind:
1) The Rangers won the Presidents' trophy and were arguably the best team in hockey.
2) The Devils lost every regular season game against the Rangers that year.
Anyway, I remember that series like it was yesterday. We scared the hell out of the Rangers, let's just say that. Ask any Ranger fan who is old enough. The Devils went into the Garden in Game 5 and stole the show - with Bernie Nicholls capping it off. You could hear a pin drop in the place.
Sure Messier's guarantee in Game 6 sucked. Sure Matteau in Game 7 sucked. But many forget that Zelepukin tied it up with 7.7 left in period 3 to even give Matteau and the Rangers that moment. When Zele scored, I can remember my dad upstairs screaming in disbelief. He was louder than when his beloved Reds won the World Series in 1990.
When Matteau scored, I was still damn proud of my Devils. . . and the Gold Medal Game this year echoed my feelings from 1994. Parise scored late and we went wild. Even though Crosby won it in OT - I was beaming with pride for the USA.
The writers at Seinfeld were obviously impressed and created the episode that aired the next year . . our much beloved, "The Face Painter." On the show, the announcer even says that Stephane Richer scores (I think even in OT) when George is in the car with his girlfriend listening on the radio - a clear reference to what happened in Game 1.
Don Cherry's Rock 'em sock sums it up : the most vicious and exciting series of the entire playoffs.
The 1st comment on Cherry's youtube video says: greatest playoff hockey series ever.
Now, I know the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but I think this was the greatest playoff series that I've ever seen, maybe the Flyers coming back this year against the Bruins was better. . . maybe.
But in terms of storylines, late goals, OT thrillers, hard hitting and animosity, this was playoff hockey at its best. I even wish I could get the penalty minute totals from the series.
The other reason "Matteau" doesn't bother me? Because the Devils won the next year. That series defeat was what the team had to go through to win IMHO in 1995.
I even wish I could find the Fox Sports footage of the Game 4 Stanley Cup Finals where they had two actors and the Jersey guy went through the Lincoln Tunnel and grabbed the Cup from the Ranger fan and then took it on the ferry back to NJ.
So three questions?
1) What do you say if someone gives you the "Matteau" chant?
2) Was this the greatest series in your lifetime? (sorry younglings)
3) Should I buy the Rangers "Original 6" 1994 DVD (you can get it for $80) to relive all 7 games of this series or would that be selling out?
All FanPosts and FanShots are the respective work of the author and not representative of the writers or other users of In Lou We Trust.
20 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
It depends on what your view of "Best Series" is.
I’m only 18, so I was about 3 when the 94’ series happened. Watched it later though, and it still is the best series I have seen, from an entertainment perspective .
I’m sure some people would say the best Devils series was the comeback against Philly, or even the 4 game sweep of Detroit for the first cup. It really depends what qualifies as “best” for you; winning, impossible situations, or good, nay, great hockey.
What do I say after a friend says the Matteau chant?
- Realize we won three cups after that while you failed to make the Conference Finals in that time. I see us the winners in that series. Who knows if we won that game and lost to the Nucks. Would we have 3 Cap victories?
Was this the greatest series in your lifetime?
- Its certainly up there. But for me the 1995 Stanley Cup victory over the Wings, and to sweep the powerhouse Wings makes me prouder. Its in the top 5 along with the 1999-00 PO against the Flyers, 1988 MacLean goal, sweeping the Rangers. Yes the sweep is recent and didn’t mean a SC but just to sweep the Rangers was bittersweet.
And umm NO. If your more of a “hockey fan” then yeah go ahead. But if your a Devils fan more then a hockey fan, I wouldn’t.
Mathew Barnaby to Lyle Odelein: "Cornelius, as we like to call him, gets under your skin. Planet of the Apes. Look at him. Seriously. He looks like Cornelious."
Odelein to Barnaby: "He should take a look at his wife. She's God-awful to look at."
by RolliePollieKovy on Aug 25, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
That's it
Kovy,
Thank you for putting into words what I was having trouble writing. I am a Devils fan, but also a big “hockey fan” having reffed, played and coached.
Maybe that’s where this is all coming from.
1995 was sweet and “I can’t believe we swept the Wings” still lingers. But 1994 was dramatic. I’m wrestling with if it was more dramatic than 2000, and perhaps it was my age at the time . . .
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
But if you were to ask a fan
A hockey guy, in an unbiased way . . . which was the best series ever?
Someone needs to do this now!
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
Philly was indeed epic in 2000
That was amazing – I can equally remember where I was and the stories are actually more numerous.
But, I was younger in 1994 and the Devils had never won yet.
Sure the Philly series was exhilarating and I can still hear Mike Miller’s radio call with Elias in Game 7 (I was working on the Ocean City Boardwalk) in my head. . . but maybe it’s because I was buried in Flyer country.
But I think the back-and-forth of the 1994 series was what made it. 2000 was the greatest for most of us – but Philly’s comeback against Boston this year removed some of the nostalgia from coming behind from 3 – 1 for me.
In terms of the passionate hockey played and not another team choking – 1994 is it.
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
I'd have to say no
Mostly because we lost. It’s still a little sore when someone brings it up, even though we dominated the Rangers for the next decade and won 3 Cups since then. We’ve never beaten the Rangers on the way to the Cup, and we’ve only beaten them in the playoffs once.
I’d say the best playoff series ever, in Devils history, is the 2000 ECF vs. Philly. Coming back from down 3-1 was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen the team do. Plus, they didn’t waste that comeback and won the Cup.
1) Three is greater than One
2) No. As a Devils fan, I have to rate the Stanley Cup Finals series higher, the 3-1 comeback against the Flyers in the ECF, and the 2006 Sweep of the Rangers. As a pure hockey fan, I’d honestly rate the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals between Edmonton and Carolina higher. Don’t laugh – it taught me that the SCF should be required viewing for all hockey fans because those games rule. That was an exceptionally excellent series to watch between the hot atmospheres in both arenas, goalies playing well above their head, Mike Commodore’s fro, and just intense from minute one.
3) It wouldn’t be selling out, it’d be a waste of money – but that’s just my take.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
So you're Don Cherry
what’s the best NHL playoff series to hockey fans?
John’s given his take (I’m liking the pick).
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
1) What do you say if someone gives you the “Matteau” chant?
If he’s a Rangers fan, I remind him that his team hasn’t won a game past the second round of the playoffs since. Then I remind him that the devils won three Cups and went to a fourth SCF in the nine seasons following. Then I remind him that his team is still owned by a Dolan, with Glen Sather as general manager. Then I point to today’s incarnation of Our Hated Rivals.
To RollyPollieKovy: I hate to be this particular, but you’ve got one of your claims wrong. The Rangers made the Conference Finals in 1997 and got swept by Philadelphia. In fact, the Rangers beat the Devils in five games in the second round that year, in a series marred by umpteen Devils’ goals disallowed by the “toe in the crease” rule of the time…. and a moment I distinctly remember where a referee picked up Wayne Gretzky’s discarded stick and handed it back to him as the play was starting the other way down the ice. As mad as I was about all the goals the Devils had wiped out, the rule was interpreted correctly for the time…. can’t say the same about the referee, as that would be way up there on my list of “egregious referee misconduct”.
2) Was this the greatest series in your lifetime? (sorry younglings)
I can’t rate the 2000 ECF as high…. especially as I was at work the night of dramatic Game 7. I was working at a Barnes & Noble at the time (one many Devils’ players occasionally frequented, as it was the old location on Route 10 in Livingston), as the supervisor-on-duty…. and the manager running the store that night was the other massive Devils’ fan in the place. We took turns going back to the radio in Shipping and Receiving to check on the game…. and my manager was back there when Elias scored the backbreaking goal. Ah…. memories.
But to answer the question, I rank the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals as “the greatest series” (the manager who did the scheduling cut myself and the manager from the previous paragraph some slack for the SCF, and didn’t schedule us to work nights that games were on). The last two games were as dramatic and nail-biting as you’d ever want, especially if you love overtime playoff hockey. Of course, there was also the joy of Game 1, where the Devils smeared Ed Belfour and the Stars, Ken Daneyko scored a goal, and Belfour went off after the game and claimed his poor play was a result of “cold medication”.
3) Should I buy the Rangers “Original 6” 1994 DVD (you can get it for $80) to relive all 7 games of this series or would that be selling out?
I can’t speak for you. I, however, would rather spend the $80 on lottery tickets…. would rather use $80 as toilet paper…. and would rather light $80 on fire.
1. I usually laugh. Then I mention the 3 Cups, and the routing during the regular seasons in the late 90s/early 00s (I believe the Devils went 21 or 22 games without losing to the Rags). I also mention: 4 Cups in 83 seasons (4.8%) to 3 Cups in 35 seasons (8.5%), which franchise would you root for?
2. That series introduced me to hockey and the Devils (I guess I’m a youngling then), so I have to say yes. I told my story in the comments during John’s Devils Fan Guide: Why We Love the Devils. I’ve watched that series a bunch of times, which leads me to..
3. Don’t buy it. One of my housemates in college was a huge Rags fan (his father worked for the team at some point), and has the 1994 DVD. I would usually borrow the ECF set. Find a Rag fan with one, borrow it, burn it, cough*steal it*cough (kidding). I’m sure he/she won’t mind knowing who won the series. I would use the $80 for tickets/food at Devils games, or perhaps a new jersey.
In Lou We Trust: SBN Blog of the New Jersey Devils
"Hockey is the only job I know where you get paid to have a nap on the day of the game." - Chico Resch
by Matthew Ventolo on Aug 25, 2010 9:37 PM EDT reply actions
It was more than 21 or 22 … In the late 90’s the Devils went 35 games without losing to the Rangers (25-0-10).
What do I do when Rags fans razz me???
NINTY FOUR NEVER MORE!!!
There is nothing quite as satisfying as out running security after you've punched out a Flyers fan!
"I was in the moment, and the moment said smack you." - Bruce Willis
Sorry
The Don Cherry link was a duplicate – it has now been fixed to give you the video.
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
1. I turn to them and ask them how that franchise has fared since…basically missing the playoffs six straight seasons (isn’t it 7 straight seasons?) while the Devils were winning three Stanley Cups. Some Ranger fans I know say that they would rather miss the playoffs than be knocked out in the first round…..hmm…
2. No, it was a classic series, but the best series the Devils have been involved with is either the 2000 ECF or the SCF, I know there have been plenty of good series, but those two were absolute thrillers.
3. No, I still cringe when I watch any of that series just because I remember how it ended. It was a great comeback late in regulation, that would have been an unbelievable ending had the Devils managed to win it.
Yankees in baseball, Giants in football and Devils in hockey. It's that simple. I have no off-season.
Oops, I had no intention of making my subject seven lines long…
Yankees in baseball, Giants in football and Devils in hockey. It's that simple. I have no off-season.
by DownGoesAvery on Aug 26, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes
Agreed. I remember this series like it was yesterday. The two best teams in the league that year, arenas less than 10 miles apart. Game 6 is the only hockey game Ive ever left before the final buzzer (granted there were like 20 seconds left when Messier netted his hat trick). Regardless of the outcome this was the year the Devils arrived and they’ve been an elite team ever since.
1. I havent heard Matteau’s name nor a Ranger fan giving a Devils fan legitimate grief for 15 years.
2. The 1994 series was the greatest series I had ever seen at that point and made me truly love hockey, not just the Devils. But the 2004 Finals, even though it was clutch-n-grab, was about as intense a Series as I’ve ever seen since. As a Devils fan though, 1995 Final was the ‘best’ Series ever.
3. No need, like mentioned, is on MSG enough, and is in enough circulation to warrant burning copies if you really want to watch them again.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
Beating the Flyers (Lindros knocked out) and winning any of the Cups is awesome, but the ’94 series was epic. You hate to lose it (and the potential Cup along with it), but as mentioned above, it often takes a hard loss to get you over the top. I remember being at a school lock-in party, huddled around a crappy radio with a mix of Devils and Rangers fans for game 7. In OT, every time someone crossed the blue line we thought the game could end, with one group of fans cheering for the winning shot and the other group exhaling on the save. I also remembering cursing the luck of a friend of mine who got tickets at the last minute.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- The Chicago Blackhawks’ losing streak is bad for everybody
- According to NHL, here’s why Dominic Moore escaped suspension for Fedotenko hit
- How Mats Sundin’s no-trade clause controversy made fans reconsider loyalty in NHL
- Nordiques Nation invades Hockey Day in Canada
- Youth hockey coach, parents clash over alleged tirade over 9-year old’s 200th goal puck
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
