Paying Homage to #2

So it is now officially January 24, 2008, the day that you, I and every other Rangers fan had circled on our calendars since the announcement a few months ago.  In the spirit of Brian Leetch’s big night, I thought it would be fun and fitting for everyone to share a specific memory they had of #2.  Now it can be anything, big or small, but what I’d love to hear are some moments that may not be as imprinted on the psyche’s of Rangers fans.  Now by no means am I banning the Game 7 goals in the Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Finals in ‘94 from discussion, but I think we’re all well aware of how that year went by now.  To me, it would be more interesting to talk about some plays that may not be as memorable, but may be just as good.

 For me, a very distinct moment stands out from the rest.  Now I can’t remember exactly what year it was, but it was sometime during the dismal stretch from 1998-2004 and the Rangers were fighting with the Islanders for the eighth and final playoff spot. 

The heated rivals locked up at the Garden on this particular night very late in the season and with time dwindling in the game the Rangers trailed the Isles by one goal.  A loss would have been a devastating blow to the Blueshirts’ playoff chances. 

With a couple minutes to go, Brian went on a typical “Leetchie rush.” Starting from behind his own net, he bobbed and weaved through all five Islander skaters and buried the tying goal with a beautiful top shelf backhand.  The Rangers ended up winning the game and keeping their post-season hopes alive for another day. 

Now we all know they ended up falling short of the playoffs, but that isn’t the point.  The point is that I remember thinking that Leetch had just decided that they weren’t going to lose that game; he wasn’t going to allow it.  Few players in the history of the game have ever had the ability to just decide they were going to take over a game and then go do it.  Leetchie was one of those few and to be able to watch him night in night out for the Rangers for so many years was a privelege and an honor.

So that’s one of many Leetch memories that stick out in my mind and now I want to hear yours.  Please use the comments section to share your memories and any other thoughts you have leading up to the banner raising for perhaps the greatest Ranger of all-time.