277 sats \ 6 replies \ @grayruby OP 7 Oct 2023 \ parent \ on: Stacker Sports- Meta Takeover- Day 95 meta
Is Islanders/Rangers a big thing in New York? They play each other more than the Yankees and Mets do so it makes sense.
If only the Isles weren't a second rate franchise
reply
And, the rivalry would be seen in a far different light if the Rangers didn't always suck
reply
It's cyclical. It wanes if both teams suck. The rivalry goes back to the mid 70s when the underdog Isles beat the Rangers in a first round playoff in 1975. Then, the four cup run while the Rangers were waiting for a 1940 repeat. Maybe I'm living in the past and younger fans don't care as much anymore.
reply
There has been talk of a second team in the Toronto area for decades now. I always wondered what the rivalry would be like. It will probably never happen though. No way the Leafs want another team in their territory. Imagine if that team actually got good and won something and Leafs fans realized they were paying 500 bucks a ticket to watch garbage hockey for the past 50 years.
reply
You describe the Rangers in the 70s. The Isles built quickly but organically back then, with a brilliant front office. Now the NHL hands new franchises a playoff roster.
reply
Yeah. I am not a fan of that. I know their is a lot of money involved in getting a new franchise especially if ownership has to pony up money to build the arena so I understand the desire for new franchises to hit the ground running but being a stanley cup contender year 1 is ridiculous.
reply