3. New York Rangers Vs New York Islanders Vs New Jersey Devils AKA The Battle Of New York AKA The Hudson River Rivalry
In this strange hockey love triangle in the heart of the world's biggest market, these three teams are literally spitting distance from each other yet due to the years of inept performance mostly on the Islanders part, they have never met the Devils in the playoffs. The Rangers have no problem stepping out on their long-time state rivals to make some sweet hockey love with cross-river rivals the New Jersey Devils when it comes time for the playoffs. The Rangers and the Devils have renewed shenanigans 6 times in the playoffs, with the Rangers coming out on top 16 of the 34 times they have faced off against each other, winning 4 series out of six. The most memorable moment came in 1994 when NY captain Mark Messier, with his team facing elimination, took time out from apparently dating Madonna to 'guarantee a victory' in the upcoming game, which usually means 'guarantee a loss'. Messier scored all 3 goals that night to defeat the Devils 3-2 and guaranteed himself a place in New York sporting history along the lines of Babe Ruth's calling-his-shot baseball legend. The Rangers went on to win the series and their first Stanley Cup in 44 years, defeating the Vancouver Canucks in one of the closest Stanley Cup series ever played in modern times, 4 games to 3. While the last 20 years the focus has been on the much more likely Devils/Rangers match-up the possibility of an Islanders/Rangers playoff match would have NY hockey fans salivating and an 'all bets are off' mentality in backing a winner, due to the bragging rights that come with each cross-town victory. Back in the day when the Islanders were considered a powerhouse team, the teams faced off in the playoffs 8 times with the Islanders having a slight edge in wins 20-19. Another great byproduct of this series would be the re-introduction of some of the most spirited crowd taunts in league history; Ranger fans have their favourite; "
Potvin sucks", a reference to the all-star Islander defenceman Denis Potvin who retired decades ago yet apparently is still popular while Islanders fan have adopted a rendition of 'The Rangers suck' to accompany the Chicken Dance Polka. Yes, it sounds lame but one has to admit
is pretty funny when you hear it.
Chances Of It Happening In 2013 - 10% All 3 of these teams still have a viable chance to make the playoffs, it will be an uphill battle much like Toronto and Ottawa. All will have to defeat far superior opponents (and/or Ottawa) to get the chance to be able to ride the bus to their next away game and be back before bedtime. The Devils do have the greatest goalie in the game in net and the Rangers have the handsomest one. The shock of having to consider that the Islanders might beat one of them out of a playoff spot will be pretty awkward on the final day of the regular season.