Blueshirts drop 5-3 decision to the Bruins (the old timers that is)

The New York Rangers were in action Sunday afternoon against the Boston Bruins, but it was in the Rangers Alumni Classic.   In what fans hope was not a precursor to tonight’s match, the Rangers alumni lost to the former Bruins, 5-3.

The Rangers Alumni Classic raises money for  the New York Rangers Assist Program, an effort to grow youth hockey in the Tri-State area.  As part of that effort, representatives from several dozen youth hockey teams were saluted during the intermission, led onto the ice by Aidan Balkin of the Westchester Vipers.

It was a friendly match with no slapshots or hitting.  The Blueshirts never led in the match and pulled their goalie Steve Valiquette with about two minutes remaining to  no avail.  The teams played two 30 minute periods with the clock never stopping.

Ranger goals were scored by Darius Kasparaitis, Brian Mullen and Brad Richards.  It was a thrill for the fans to see some of their favorites in action.  Brian Leetch was again paired with Jeff Beukeboom.   Ron Duguay skated without a helmet as did Tom Laidlaw, fresh from his exit from “Survivor.”  Jay Wells, sporting a gray goatee and ponytail, skated wearing a Rangers’ baseball cap.

The 1994 Stanley Cup team was well represented with Leetch, Beukeboom, Wells, Adam Graves, Glenn Anderson, Stephane Matteau and playing wing, Mike Richter.  Ranger TV analyst Steve Valiquette was in goal for New York and was a sieve early, but came through with some big saves later in the game.

The most recently retired player for the Rangers was fan favorite Tanner Glass who played last season in France.

The one Ranger who looked like he could suit up and help the current team was defenseman Darius Kasparaitis who scored a goal and added an assist and missed on a penalty shot.  He also took a dive that was so obvious, as Bill Chadwick used to say, “you could hear the splash from here.”

Hall of Famers Rod Gilbert, Brad Park and Jean Ratelle served as coaches along with Dave Maloney and Ron Greschner.

As a special treat, Amanda Kessel suited up for the Blueshirts and played a spirited game.

Kessel is the Rangers’ Ambassador for Junior Rangers Girls Hockey and yes, she is Phil’s sister.

The Bruins were represented by Ray Bourque, Ken Linseman, Bob Sweeney, Mike Mottau and a bunch of guys I have never heard of named Songin, Mowers and Simonetti.

One of the highlights of the game was the near fistfight during the national anthem when a fan who bellowed “Let’s go Rangers” was challenged by another fan who objected to his disrespecting the anthem.  The combatants were separated and believe it or not, the more belligerent group  was moved to better seats.  Whether it be an exhibition or a regular season game or a match featuring a bunch of 50  and 60-somethings, Ranger fans never change.

While it wasn’t the most scintillating game ever played, the sight of Brian Leetch firing a headman pass or Brad Richards being stopped on a point blank opportunity brought back many memories.  It was all for a good cause and the fans had a good time.

Let’s hope for a better outcome when the current teams take the ice tonight.