Cup Comments by James Dolan Were a Bit Premature

Added by Dante Vassallo on January 19, 2012.

It all seems to be a big joke now, but New York Rangers owner James Dolan’s comments could have had disastrous consequences. About a week ago, I scrapped a post I was writing for you here at Double G Sports. In it, I gave permission to Rangers fans to get their hopes up for a special post season.

Then, “Sports Sense” kicked in and I quickly dropped my index finger on the Backspace button and held it there until all of the potential bad karma was wiped away.

By “Sports Sense” I am referring to the belief system that exists among those of us who play, coach, or are fanatical about a sport. Like common sense, we all know that there are things you simply do not say or do. There was a single Rangers fan uttering the word, shutout during the third period of Tuesday night 3-0 victory over the Nashville Predators, for example. That is why King Henry was able to turn aside all twenty-seven of the shots that were fired at him. Superstition? No. FACT. Last night, I made sure to get my NY Rangers mug in the dishwasher so it would be ready for me to drink my game day coffee out of today. When I do, the Rangers win. Coincidence. Wrong. FACT.

As great as the Rangers are playing, they are still sitting at the table. Kenny Rogers told us all a long time ago what you NEVER do when you’re sitting at the table, there will be time enough for counting when the dealin’s done, Dolan! Hopefully, we’ll be counting hardware.

To that end, New York Football Giants fans need to help me out. I love the Giants, but my fandom does not come close to my passion for the Rangers. Some perspective – On a scale of 1 to 10 (Ten Being My Rangers Fandom), I’m a seven. I don’t miss any Rangers games (there are 82), but I just try to watch the Giants on Sunday. I probably succeed about eight times a year. The truth is, my love for the Giants has more to do with my love for my family, than it does for football. My dad and siblings are rabid, and my son keeps buying me Giants related items for Christmas and Father’s Day. I follow the Giants more for them than for myself.

Technically, when one considers the final game against Dallas, the Giants have been in the playoffs for the last three weeks. I missed all three. I only managed to catch highlights. They won all three. I didn’t watch, and they won. What do I do on Sunday night? Should I check with Dolan on that?