Madison Square Garden

It's my last morning in New York, and I've been so busy that I've had barely any time to think about what I've done, forget writing about it. But there was one place where I spent two very different evenings of my trip, which I want to mention.

Saturday: Montreal Canadiens at New York Rangers

I am a huge, gigantic, crazy Montreal fan, and their game here during Steve's visit was a big reason why I decided to come to New York. I was a bit manic, both before and during the game. We arrived early and went walking around the Garden, trying to decide where to hang out and get some dinner, and happened upon the player entrance. It was surrounded by Rangers superfans trying to get a glimpse of one of the their beloved hockey heroes. Just as I was shaking my head at their lunacy, the Montreal buses pulled up. The New York fans all booed and cursed and made bad jokes about them going back to Canada, while I got a rush, seeing all my boys in there, wearing their suits, ready for the game. I said a quiet "Go Habs Go" so as not to get beaten by the opposing fans, then got so excited that I tweeted up a storm about it. It's the closest I've been to my Habs, nearly touching their windows as we rushed to get around the stopped bus and away from the crazies. Well, the other team's crazies.

We then hung out at a bar which was lousy with Habs fans, one of whom actually gave me a 'Rangers Suck' sticker, until it was time to get our seats in the arena. We luckily ended up seated in the middle of a whole row of Habs fans, some of whom were down from Montreal. From what they said, the games are always so packed at the Bell Centre that it's usually easier for the hometown fans to get away tickets.

Steve got into the spirit of the game, and hollered his voice away along with me. The Habs didn't play a great game in the first period and by the time they got it together, it was too late. They pulled to within 1, then lost it 5-3 after an empty net goal. It was tragic, but seeing them play in the flesh remains one of the greatest thrills of my life. I will continue to see them at every opportunity, and cheer like a wild woman, no matter who the home team that night might be.

Luckily, no matter where you go in North America, you'll always find lots of Habs fans. I'm usually in good company.

Sunday: Winnipeg Jets at New York Rangers

Since Steve was seeing yet another Broadway show on Sunday night, I took the opportunity to go see the new version of the Winnipeg Jets. I wouldn't say I'm much of a Jets fan at this point, but I've been supporting them this year because I love their story, and it's great to get a Canadian team back.

I got tickets significantly farther from the ice (ie didn't care to pay as much) for the Jets game, and ended up in the middle of a section of Ranger fans. I knew the Winnipeg contingent would be present but small, and even heard a few faint "Go Jets Go" chants, but NONE of that was in my section. No, my section was full of the kind of fans who hooted and screamed for the Rangers, but also booed their own team for taking too long to shoot the puck on a power play. Scary people.

I kept my mouth shut, drank my beer, and secretly wished the Jets would kick the Rangers' sorry asses. But they didn't.

The game was very evenly matched, except that the Rangers goalie was on a tear, and shut out Winnipeg. They ended up losing 3-0. And I went to meet Steve at karaoke, so I guess all's well that ends well.


Yet again, the team I went to see lost the game. It has been a couple of years since I've seen (in person) a win by a team I support. Maybe I should just do everyone a favor and stay home...

Nah.