Ranger Blues :: A New York Rangers Blog » Mark Messier

A Little Bit on No. 2

Joe McDonald — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:11:47 +0000

I did a full report on NY Sports Day, but just some musings:

Unlike Mark MessierÂ a few years ago, Leetch’s pre-retirement gathering was much more subdued, like the way he played.
Leetch was very forthcoming about still being hurt when he was traded almost four years ago.
All the Rangers agreed he may have been the most important player from the 1994 team.
When asked Leetch didn’t want to give a Super Bowl prediction, but Messier said 24-21, yet he would not guarantee that.
Tonight, don’t expect a 75 minute ceremony, although the Rangers have 98 minutes, but that also includes pregame warmups and getting the ice ready.
Tie Domi was at the event last night as well, which was a welcome surprise.

Devils Tonight

Joe McDonald — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:16:49 +0000

Now that Sean Avery was punished and Mark Messier got into the Hall, there’s a game to play.

It’s 1-1 with goals early Jamie Langenbrunner and Nigel Dawes.Â With Langenbrunner’s coming off a rebound inÂ front of the net andÂ Dawes goal should have beenÂ saved by Henrik Lundqvist.

The real question is how both Scott Gomez, playing his first gameÂ in New Jersey in an opposing sweater, and Avery, who may tone down the act tonight will play. Will they be able to adapt to the hostile Newark crowd?

More later…Â

Brian Leetch Night Jan 24th

Joe McDonald — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:19:53 +0000

The inevitable was announced today as the Rangers will retire Brian Leetchâ€™s No. 2 on January 24 before the match against the Atlanta Thrashers.

In a press release, general manager Glen Sather said, â€œWhen we talk about what it means to be a New York Ranger, Brian Leetch is the player who exemplifies that model. He is simply the greatest defenseman in the history of the franchise and gave the same effort when it came to helping the community off the ice.Â There is no higher honor to grant Brian then to have his number raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden to join the other Garden legends.â€

In what is to be one of the hottest events for the upcoming season, no individual tickets will be available since the 350 or so open seats will be used for visiting dignitaries and Leetchâ€™s family.

The Garden will be rocking for that night, but donâ€™t expect an event like Mark Messier night two years ago, because Leetch will want something more low key.

Could Mess Be In?

Joe McDonald — Tue, 29 May 2007 12:59:22 +0000

With Don Maloney out, the Rangers will need a new second man in the front office. Both Mark Messier, who desired Glen Sather’s job back in February and Adam Graves are candidates. As is Jim Schoenfeld, the Hartford GM.

Of the candidates, Sather will look to retain someone who will do the legwork Maloney did over the past decade in teh front office. Both Messier and Graves are inexperienced, yet could get some sort of position to begin their careers, but Schoenfeld has the knowledge of the organization, so will alsoÂ a considerable look.

Eventually Messier will probably workÂ his way up to the job,Â The Captain said he was moving toÂ New York andÂ wanted toÂ be Slats’ successor. So, it would be hard to fathom if he was left out in the cold.

As for Maloney, Sather may have a tradingÂ partner.Â Larry Brooks mentioned a possible Al Montoya for the third overall pick. We shall see whatÂ prospects MaloneyÂ liked more thanÂ Sather and if any deals come to pass.

You can read more about this on NY Sports Day. Â