New Jersey Devils: Let’s Talk About Rangers Fans
The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers rivalry runs deep, and the Rags have been the better team for the past few seasons. That doesn’t mean that their fans aren’t insecure.
This blog was sparked by Jimmy Vesey signing with the Rangers. As a New Jersey Devils fan growing up and living in north Jersey, you unfortunately encounter a lot of Rangers fans. So, the topic of Vesey has come up in conversation over the past week. The overwhelming reaction from Rangers fans was “Of course he signed with us, why wouldn’t he?!” As if it was some foregone conclusion, I was crazy to think that the kid would sign anywhere else but New York. That’s just Rangers fans in a nutshell though. They’re always right, and you’re always wrong.
In reality, Rangers fans are delusional. They tend to think that every other team in the NHL is irrelevant. “We play at Madison Square Garden, we were one of the the Original Six, blah blah blah.” Any rational hockey discussion turns into a lecture about how hockey is nothing without the Rangers. Funny how all of those losing seasons is an absent topic of that discussion. Ever notice how defensive Rangers fans get when you make a slight joke or valid criticism of their team?
It goes something like this:
Devils Fan: “I think the window is closing on the Rangers’ Stanley Cup chances with Lundqvist’s age and a suspect defense.”
Rangers Fan: “Are you crazy?! The Rangers are the best team in the league! What would you know, you’re a Devils fan and they suck!”
And so the lecture begins…
Ok, yes, the Devils haven’t made the playoffs in four years, and for lack of a better term, have sucked. Believe me, I watch all their games, so I know. I get it. But, at least I’m being realistic about my team. The New York Rangers have won one Stanley Cup in the past 76 years. But don’t tell their fans that! You might hurt their feelings. Ranger fans are insecure, plain and simple. They haven’t won the Cup since 1994, and that was their first since 1940. They have four in total in their history, 3 of which came during the era when there were only 5 other teams in the league. Let that sink in.
We don’t have to harp on the past though, I know it’s a sore subject and a lot for Rangers fans to handle. So, let’s talk about the present. Ever been to a game at MSG? The entire lower level is filled with corporate sponsors wearing suits, wining and dining their clients and not even watching the game. Some hockey atmosphere, huh? Let’s make something clear, Madison Square Garden is not famous because of the Rangers.
I haven’t even mentioned how the Rangers also have the biggest bandwagon following ever.
Rangers Fan: “The Rangers made the playoffs? Great, now I can start watching hockey again!”
Devils Fan: “The Rangers have been one of the top teams in the league this year, you seem surprised?”
Rangers Fan: “Well, who really watches the regular season anyway?! Only the playoffs matter so…”
My favorite thing is when you meet someone who is a Rangers fan and tell them that you are a Devils fan:
Rangers Fan: “How can you be a Devils fan?!”
Devils Fan: “Well, I’m from New Jersey, so I root for the local teams. I rooted for an awful New Jersey Nets team for years for the same reason.”
Rangers Fan: “But they aren’t any good! I don’t know why you didn’t become a Rangers fan!”
Devils Fan: “Technically, if you’re making that argument as a Rangers fan, the Devils actually were good when I became a fan as a kid. From 1995 on, they dominated the Patrick/Atlantic division. The Rangers, not so much.”
Rangers Fan: “You’re such a stupid Devils fan!”
And so another lecture begins…
Listen, I totally get being a Rangers fan because your parent(s) or family has always supported the team. After all, the Devils have only been in New Jersey since 1982, so I completely understand that point of view. You are obviously free to like whatever team you want for that matter. But, stop acting like an entitled douche and assuming that you are better than Devils fans for some ridiculous reason.
Next: Devils Should Add a Third Jersey
Obviously, I am generalizing here, not all Rangers fans are like this. To the level-headed Rangers fans out there, thanks for having a brain. To all the others described here in this rant, put some more banners in that famous arena of yours and then I’ll have some respect for you.