The G.(Ranger)O.A.T.

Now bear with me here. I know that no one watches hockey, but something pretty big happened at the Garden last night: the Greatest Ranger of All Time– Brian Leetch– had his number retired. Think that title is misplaced? Well that’s understandable considering all anyone remembers is Mark Messier’s guarantee during the ‘94 Conference Finals and the ensuing hat trick that spared him the misfortune of becoming hockey’s version of Patrick Ewing. But had it not been for #2’s Conn Smythe-winning (playoff MVP) performance, the Rangers wouldn’t have even sniffed the Stanley Cup; Leetch racked up 34 points in 23 games, the second highest total ever for a defenseman. And that doesn’t even account for his two Norris Trophies (best defenseman), his Calder Trophy (rookie of the year, which is unheard of for a blue liner), and his 75 Ranger records. Leetch was one of maybe 3 players in the last 20 years– the other two being Ray Borque and Chris Chelios– who could control an entire game from the blue line. Yup, the guy was THAT good. My only beef with Leetch is that he played one season at Chestnut Hill University (commonly referred to as Boston College). But I guess I can let that slide.