The Garden Chants of ‘CAN YOUR HEAR US’: April 21st, 2011
Oh those “lovable” Washington Capitals? Perhaps the one team that is looking for validation in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They have the annoying horn, they rock the red, and their fans get all up in arms when something happens to one of their players. This is just reinfoced by their superstar Alex Ovechkin, who has been a force on the ice that his teammates and city have rallied behind.
His fire and determination have helped fuel their presence in the Eastern Conference.
That is why it is always satisfying for Rangers fans to watch them fall in the postseason. They try, yet come up short.
On this night, it is satisfaction served with a smile. Former Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau had been behind the bench in Washington for three seasons.
His Capitals team had met the Blueshirts previously in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, beating them 4-3.
With a two games to none control of this playoff series, the series shifted to New York for Games Three and Four. Boudreau’s team could sweep New York and send them to an early exit out of the postseason. However, on this night, the beast was awoken in Madison Square Garden.
After losing 3-2 in Game Three, Boudreau must have been a bit ticked off at how they could have had the Rangers on the ropes with a previous win. His comments postgame about Madison Square Garden were not flattering, in any way.
Dan Steinberg of washingtonpost.com quoted the former Capitals coach when he appeared on a radio station:
“Well, the one thing, its reputation is far better than the actual building…I mean, it’s nothing. The locker rooms are horrible. The benches are horrible. There’s no room for anything. But the reputation of being in Madison Square Garden is what makes it famous. Also, our building’s a lot louder, too. So I mean, they can say what they want, but it’s not that loud in there.”
In Game Four of the series, the Rangers and their fans took a commanding 3-0 lead into the second period. With the Garden Faithful serenading Broudreau, all things looked right for the Rangers.
Unfortunately, the Capitals would storm back with four goals to win the game, and go up 3-1 in the series.
Despite the outcome, Boudreau did no favors for himself trying to win the hearts of Rangers fans with his criticism. He probably still has a hard time finding a cab around Madison Square Garden.
It wasn’t as big or common as the “POTVIN SUCKS” chant raining from the rafters. But for one night, it was.
