Rangers Fans Come Out In Full Force For No. 2

The Rangers raised Brian Leetch's No. 2 to The Garden rafters on Thursday night, and New York was buzzing with excitement.

Before the festivities began, we hit up the Blueshirt Faithful for their reaction to Leetch's special night.

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• Re-live All The Great Moments From Leetch Night
• The Maven: "Leetch Redefined Class"

Reflections on Brian Leetch Night

Brian Leetch redefined class, both as a player and a person.

He also redefined inimitable; as in "one of a kind."

If there was any doubt about that point, it was underscored over and over again last night during the festivities that went unmatched in my half-century career as a hockey-watcher.

Forget about the array of stars -- Mark Messier, Rod Gilbert, Mike Richter, et. al. -- it was simply a vintage Leetch performance, from his remarkably poised speech in The Garden's main arena to the more intimate confines of a packed WaMu Theater, where the future Hall of Fame defenseman greeted more fans after the second period.

"It's great to be back in The Garden," said Brian, surrounded by his loving family, "because you never know when you're going to hear those cheers again when you retire."

What made this night so special for me was the manner in which Leetch presented himself and articulated his thoughts. It was as smooth as a patented Leetch rush up the ice, culminating with a goal.

His speech just knocked me out.

You see, Brian and I had been together at the Lester Patrick Award fete last November. About an hour before the festivities started, he pulled me aside and whispered in my ear.

"I'm not planning to make much of a speech myself," he said, intuitively knowing that I had a lot to say, but was being given limited time. "Why don't you take some of my minutes."

It was very kind of Brian and I accepted his offer.

Leetch was true to his word; he didn't deliver quantity in his acceptance address then, but it was filled with quality and uttered without the need for notes.

That set me wondering how he would handle the MSG affair, where nearly 19,000 fans would be eagerly watching, perhaps awaiting Messier-like tears flowing like wine.

Remarkably, Brian cruised through his talk last night -- again without notes -- never missing a beat, never forgetting a point, never once breaking down emotionally. It was perfection-plus, in execution and content.

And it was so sensitive. Always, he was thinking of his children: Daughter, Riley; son, Jack; and the littlest lad, two-year-old Sean, who Brian held so tenderly.

I was reminded again of the Patrick affair where my five-year-old grandson, Ezra, sat at our family table through the lengthy festivities. Time and again, I glanced over at him to see if he was getting out of sorts, but Ezra was a trooper throughout and I was so proud of him.

Leetch echoed my feelings when he said, "I was so proud for my kids for getting through it and not causing a fuss."

Ironically, it was Brian who caused the fuss when -- to the amazement of just about everyone -- he declared that Adam Graves would be the next Ranger to have his number retired. The ceremony will be held next season.

Stunned to the very core, Graves appeared to have a momentary case of lockjaw when he heard the announcement. Needless to say, The Garden went bananas with that one.

Then again, they were going bananas at the WaMu Theater long before Sam Rosen hushed the arena audience to launch Leetch Night.

My buddy, Al Trautwig, and I were to work the WaMu as part of a special "Hockey Night Live" show before the ceremonies and during the Thrashers-Rangers game.

I got to the Theater good and early and was amazed at the large turnout and fan fervor. I never had so much fun taking pictures with the fans, schmoozing with them and signing more autographs than I ever did in my life.

Jokingly, I turned to an usher and said, "I can't believe that so many Rangers fans came out to see ME!"

Al and I opened our interviews with Mike Richter -- as special as they come -- followed by such terrific folks as Gilbert, Brian Mullen and Jeff Beukeboom.

The laugh riot of all was Tie Domi. When I asked him which fight he remembered best, Tie shot back: "On or off the ice!"

Domi recounted his classic bouts with Bob Probert, telling us how former NHL president Gil Stein had once forewarned them not to fight, under threat of a long suspension.

"In the middle of the next game, Probie says to me, 'Let's go (fight)' and I said to him, 'Are you crazy; don't you remember what Stein said?' But we went anyway."

Ron Greschner -- in my estimation the most underrated Rangers defenseman of all-time -- also sat with us, as did another classic No. 2, Brad Park, whose only debit was that he played in the same era as Bobby Orr.

The best of all was the end-of-second-period session we had with Leetch and Messier.

When I asked Brian what he planned to do, hockey-wise, in the near future, the fans began a deafening chant, "ONE MORE YEAR, ONE MORE YEAR!"

They wanted him back. To be honest, so did (do) I because we simply can't get enough of the man.

And for one very simple, yet eloquent, reason: He is Brian Leetch.

Truly, one of a kind.

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• Brian Leetch Always Defined True Class
• Even The "Other" Guys Enjoyed The Show
• Watch All The Emotions Unravel Again!

Leetch Night Was Special, Even For The Visitors

While last night was a special night for former Rangers great Brian Leetch, it was a great night as well for the fans and media. Even visiting media. 

As the Television Play-by-Play voice of the Atlanta Thrashers, I was at Madison Square Garden last night for the call of the Rangers vs. Thrashers game. The people at MSG really know how to throw a party.

From emcee Sam Rosen to former Ranger greats on the ice, this was a night I will always remember.

Ranger fans were outstanding (no surprise) when it came to recognizing their past greats. How great was it to see Eddie Giacomin and hear those "Eddie" chants! Also, no surprise, Mark Messier received the loudest ovation of anyone other than Leetch.

It was also good to see John Davidson and Neil Smith in the building as well, since both guys have strong ties to Brian.

For me, one of the most memorable parts of the night was when Leetch stunned the crowd, and Adam Graves, when he announced that Adam's No. 9 would be the next number retired by the Rangers. 

You could tell that Graves was overcome by this announcement and that was very powerful to watch from a spectator standpoint.

After all of this, we got to see -- or in my case call -- a good game that ended in a shootout win for the Rangers. It was a long night, but a great night at The Garden.

It's a night I will remember forever.

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Brian Leetch Night In Video

In typical New York Rangers fashion, Brian Leetch's jersey retirement ceremony was a fantastic event at The Garden last night.

Check out the highlights right here, including speeches from Mark Messier and Leetch, as well as No. 2 taking its rightful place atop The Garden rafters. Plus, many post-ceremony interviews.



WATCH: Sam Rosen introduces Leetch's former teammates and mentors

WATCH: Rosen calls on the four other Rangers who have had their numbers retired

WATCH: Rangers organization presents Brian with gifts

WATCH: An emotional Messier pays tribute to his good friend

WATCH: The guest of honor speaks to The Garden Faithful

WATCH: Al Trautwig interviews Leetch moments after the ceremony

WATCH: After the festivities, Messier talks with John Giannone

WATCH: Graves and Beukeboom at the Leetch Night Viewing Party

WATCH: Keenan, Granato and other former teammates praise No. 2

Offbeat Thoughts About Brian Leetch

After scanning the morning papers today, the first thought that came to The Maven's mind was that everything that could be said about Brian Leetch HAD been said.

The second thought -- without coffee, mind you -- was that NOT everything has been said.

So, here are a few of my personal reactions to Brian's fabulous -- and I rarely use that term -- night at The Garden.

For starters, let it be said that I am a native Brooklynite and, therefore, a native New Yorker.

I've always been proud of my hometown and that's why I resented the fact that, when Emile Francis was running the Rangers, he established a campound in Long Beach, Long Island where all his players had to live. Well, almost all.

My personal reaction was negative because Long Island is for the Islanders, not the Rangers. Which is a roundabout way of saying that I was tickled that Brian Leetch became somewhat of a latter-day pioneer when he became a Ranger. No Long Island for him.

Leetch moved into an apartment right on Broadway in the Upper West Side. And that's when it wasn't as fashionable as it is today. Right off the bat, he became a Ranger and a New Yorker. I loved that.

Another Leetch vignette that I'll never forget was our first interview in the 1988-89 season after Brian had shown me enough to know what was ahead for him as a performer.

We were sitting in The Garden stands, right behind the visitors' bench after a practice.

"You remind me of another No. 2," I mentioned, "but I don't think you know him."

"Who?" Leetch inquired.

"Doug Harvey. He played for the Canadiens when Montreal won five straight Stanley Cups from 1956 through 1960. I consider him the greatest defenseman I ever saw. So does Scotty Bowman."

Brian listened intently, wondering where I was going from there.

"My prediction," I went on, "is that you're going to be the next Doug Harvey. That No. 2 you wear is a good start."

Modest as he was -- and remains to this day -- Brian thanked me and we continued the interview.

Looking back, I would say that in all of the best ways, Leetch has done for the number precisely what Harvey did for his; gave it the mark of excellence.

On a personal level -- as a journalist -- I always found Brian to be accommodating, articulate and pleasant. If I ever encountered him in a truly surly mood, I certainly can't remember such an episode. He was a cool customer -- in the best sense of the term -- and remains that way today.

And one other thought about Leetch's place in Rangers history.

Yesterday I got a phone call from Daily News' hockey writer John Dellapina, asking me who I considered my "greatest Ranger."

I hemmed and hawed because: A) I had just awakened; and B) It's an impossible answer.

It's impossible because the Rangers of the 1920s and 1930s, such as Frank Boucher and Bill Cook, played a totally different style of game than was played by Leetch. Both Boucher and Cook could easily be defended as "greatest."

In the post-World War II era, there was Andy Bathgate, like Cook an outstanding right wing, not to mention Rod Gilbert. I sure thought of them as qualifying as well.

But then I came to a simple conclusion.

In a sense, it's unfair all-around to select one as the "greatest" and that's why I delivered what amounted to an "I don't know" response to John, although I finally settled on Brian.

Hey, we all know what he's done for the Rangers. Magnificent stuff.

So in conclusion, let me just say that nobody has to question Brian's greatness, whether he was the greatest or not!

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Leetch Night Is For The Fans Too

Mike Richter and Mark Messier Nights at Madison Square Garden were first-class events and I expect Brian Leetch Night to live up to the standard set by The Garden.

Two Brian Leetch moments standout in my mind. The first was the first time I saw him play in 1988 at the Olympics, and the other was Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals.

Leading up to the Olympics, I read so much about Leetch and when I saw him skate like the wind with the puck for the first time, I realized the Rangers (who had already drafted him) had a big time player.

In Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, Leetch scored the opening goal of the game - of course, while pinching in - and then won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs.

But nights like these are all about the MSG fans, so I went to two die-hards and asked them their thoughts leading up to Leetch Night.

“The atmosphere in The Garden, while they’re raising that banner to the rafters will be something special. It's giving me goose bumps just thinking about it,” said Mac Dabah of Brooklyn, NY.

Season ticket holder, Adam Hoffman, from Section 306 said, “It’s a chance to reflect on the great team that we had here in '94, and to once again give thanks to the players who brought us the Cup; with Leetchy obviously a very vital part to the team’s success.”

Hoffman, from Englewood NJ, reflected, “He had vision and ability to take over a game as a defensemen. He's a very rare breed. When playoffs came around, Leetch was on his game night after night with no exception.”

Dabah, who will be watching tonight’s ceremony from Section 109 commented, “I loved Leetch's ability to rush the puck and quarterback the powerplay. I remember I used to watch as he took one hand off his stick, gained speed in the neutral zone and then picked apart the opposing team's defense. It’s been a long time since the Rangers had a defenseman like this. I kind of wish we can bring him out of retirement.”

MORE:

• Rangers Fans Know How To Salute A Star
• The Maven Sensed Something Special In Leetch
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Friends Ready To Celebrate With Leetch

Brian Leetch isn't the only one looking forward to his big night at The Garden Thursday, as former teammates Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Mike Richter and Jeff Beukeboom explain.

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• Leetch's Emotions Riding High In Anticipation
• Rangers Fans Can't Thank Leetch Enough
• No. 2 Was A True Rangers Legend

Leetch Nervous And Excited About Big Night

It's almost here!

Thursday night is the big one, as Brian Leetch's No. 2 will be retired in a pregame ceremony before the Rangers tilt against the Thrashers.

On Wednesday at the Rangers Skate With The Greats event, Brian described the emotions he's feeling on the night before he sees his Rangers sweater raised to The Garden Rafters.

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• Leetch Well Worth The Honor
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Garden Ready To Honor Another Legend

There have been special celebratory nights here at The Garden and there is another one on tap Thursday, when Brian Leetch's No. 2 is raised to the rafters.

Dave Maloney and I discuss the man who's worthy of such an honor:

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• You Gotta Love Rangers Fans!
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Brian Leetch Marathon On MSG

Rangers fans, don't worry if you can't get to The Garden Thursday to experience all the hype, just flick on MSG! That's because beginning at 11:00 a.m., MSG will be all about "Brian Leetch Night."

Check out the list of shows dedicated to No. 2:

TIME	AIRING ON MSG
11:00 a.m.	1994 Eastern Conference Finals - Game 7: Devils @ Rangers
1:00 p.m.	1994 Stanley Cup Finals - Game 3: Rangers @ Canucks
3:00 p.m.	1994 Stanley Cup Finals - Game 7: Canucks @ Rangers
6:00 p.m.	MSG Profiles: Brian Leetch
6:30 p.m.	Brian Leetch Night Ceremony, "Forever a Ranger," hosted by Sam Rosen
7:30 p.m.	Rangers-Thrashers Pre-game (Hockey Night Live!)
8:00 p.m.	New York Rangers vs. Atlanta Thrashers
10:30 p.m.	MSG, NY: Leetch Night Special

*Also, you can check back here for the latest video coverage and post-ceremony insight following the festivities!

There ya have it. My work here is done.

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Rangers: Can They Do It Again?

With the Thrashers returning to The Garden for a Thursday -- Brian Leetch Night -- rematch, the Rangers should borrow a World War II hit song as their theme: "We Did It Before And We Can Do It Again!"

Certainly, on the night No. 2 will be raised to the MSG rafters, one could expect the Blueshirts to be even more motivated than they were on Tuesday when Atlanta was systematically suffocated, 4-0.

After a semi-lost weekend with the Bruins, Tom's Renney-gades looked very much like the team many opined would be the class of the division -- if not the league.

A repeat performance certainly is not out of the realm of reality if the Rangers play with the same poise, purpose and perfection as they did on Wednesday.

As I noted in the previous blog, it depended upon two chief protagonists; Henny Lundvist and Tom Renney. The Henny and Renney combo each did what he had to do.

Lundqvist was flawless, looking very much like the goaltender MSG loyalists had come to love over the past two years.

The sage coach fearlessly juggled his lines; most notably placing Sean Avery alongside Jaromir Jagr and Scott Gomez.

Before the game, I told my "Hockey Night Live" buddy, Al Trautwig, that The Great Gabbo would deliver and Avery made me look good.

With little more than half the first period gone, Sean staked the Blueshirts to the lead they needed after Jagr and Gomez played yo-yo with the puck. It proved to be the winner.

"We were a relentless team," says Renney.

No argument there.

The Maven can see no reason why they can't retain that same focus two games in a row. It didn't hurt that the kids also got involved.

Brandon Dubinsky's tally at 15:32 of the first was a goal-scorer's goal and indicates that BD is coming on strong; but no stronger than his mates who seem to have mesmerized the Thrashers.

Caught in a comedy of errors line change on their power play, the Atlantans allowed Marty Straka to waltz in alone on beleaguered Kari Lehtonen and easily backhand the third goal at 8:36 of the middle frame. Jagr's second goal early in the third was merely dressing on the salad.

Easily the most sage commentary of all came from the youthful -- he looks like he just got out of Junior high school -- Dubinsky.

"We need the same intensity we had Tuesday night for the next 30 games of the season," offers the 21-year-old. "The same intensity, effort and team play."

So, why not on Leetch night?

In case the lads need a reminder, they can whistle a couple of bars of, "We Did It Before And We Can Do It Again."

They sure did it up right on Tuesday ... So why not do it again for dear, old Brian! He'd sure appreciate that.

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• What Do Sam Rosen And Joe Micheletti Have To Say?
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Thrashers Looking For A Split On Leetch Night

For the Atlanta Thrashers, their two-game stint here in New York got off to a tough start last night.  You’re not going to beat any team in the NHL when you generate a total of 14 shots on goal.

Henrik Lundqvist is one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL.  To beat him you need quality shots, with bodies going to the net.

Atlanta had neither on Tuesday night.

What they did have was a good performance in goal from 24-year old Kari Lehtonen. 

His 35-save performance was the only highlight of the night for the visitors.  This was huge for Kari, whose last game here was that 7-0 loss in Game 3 of last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs.   

A good goaltending effort will always give you a chance to win, but last night, Kari’s game was wasted.

Losing star forward Ilya Kovalchuk to a game misconduct, then losing another forward Brad Larsen to injury, only made the night longer and tougher for the Thrashers.

Now the team must prepare for a very emotional night on Thursday, the night that the Rangers will retire Brian Leetch’s No. 2 uniform.   This is the hottest ticket in New York City.

The team must come out hungry and organized, fighting for the last two possible points before the all star break.

For Atlanta this is such a big game.  Right now, a team that recently had won four straight games, has now lost four straight.

A team that beat Detroit 5-1 on the road, just about a week ago, is now in danger of falling to fourth place in the Southeast Division.

The Thrashers have a chance on Thursday to stop their slide, otherwise they head into the All-Star break with a five-game losing streak.

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• Now Over To You, Sam And Joe!
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Beukeboom Recalls Fond Memories of Leetch

Jeff Beukeboom will be one of the many former teammates of Brian Leetch in attendance when No. 2 gets raised to The Garden rafters Thursday night.

In anticipation of the big night, Jeff talks about the good old days playing alongside the guy he calls "the best defenseman of the '90s."

MORE:

• Rangers Fans Show Their Love For Leetch
• This Week In Hockey: Leetch Special

Rangers Fans Have Love For Brian Leetch

This Thursday night, the Rangers will raise No. 2 to the rafters in honor one of the greatest defenseman in franchise history ... Brian Leetch.

And in the days leading up to The Garden festivities, we sought out Blueshirt fanatics for their thoughts on the beloved former Ranger.

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• Fans Show Their Excitement Leading Up To Leetch Night
• Leetch Responds To Fans Questions On Hockey Night Live!
• No. 2 Honored For His Contributions To U.S. Hockey

This Week In Hockey: Brian Leetch Special

It's a big week for Brian Leetch, so this special episode is dedicated to No. 2.

Tom Renney, Scott Gomez and other current Rangers give their thoughts on Leetch's great career. Plus, Adam Graves shares some memories of his good pal and the man himself, Mr. Leetch, talks about forever being a Ranger.

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• Leetch, other recipients respond to Lester Patrick Award
• Brian's Opening Night Surprise

Rangers Fans Salute Brian Leetch

Just 10 days from now, the Rangers and their fans will honor one of the greatest players in franchise history ... Brian Leetch.

And to get the full scope of what No. 2 meant to this city and organization, we hit up The Garden for reaction from the Blueshirt Faithful. Be sure to leave your thoughts on Leetch in the comments section below.

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Hockey Night Live: Special Guest Brian Leetch

January 24 is going to be a big day for the New York Rangers and Brian Leetch as the legendary defenseman's No. 2 will be raised to The Garden rafters.

It's going to be a spectacular night for the fans as well, so we gave the Rangers faithful the chance to ask Leetch a question. You sent in some great ones, so Al Trautwig and Stan Fischler threw them Brian's way during Tuesday's Hockey Night Live!

During the show, Stan and Al talked with Brian about his great career and how he expects to feel on that special night.