Post-Game Talk: New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes - November 22

[Ori]

I`m not talking down on the hat topic here, but I see twitter accounts based on the hat, and it seems that some fans view the hat differently. Personally I thought the hat was a recognition of best performance on the ice, but it can`t be the case - at least not all the time. It depends what the players feels and think and I guess that is fine.

The entire sport isn’t really necessary.

I`m just trying to understand the hat better, but I`ll let it go, because it`s a tradition - yeah, it`s a sport and it`s fun to watch.

 

[Irishguy42]

And it`s a tradition and I`m aware of that with the hat, but is it really necessary?

Sounds like you've never played team sports.

 

[Ori]

Sounds like you've never played team sports.

You`re wrong about that - I`ve at least 10 years active with team sports like soccer, but we had no hats.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

You`re wrong about that - I`ve at least 10 years active with team sports like soccer, but we had no hats.

It's soccer. There's no excitement either

 

[Tawnos]

I`m not talking down on the hat topic here, but I see twitter accounts based on the hat, and it seems that some fans view the hat differently. Personally I thought the hat was a recognition of best performance on the ice, but it can`t be the case - at least not all the time. It depends what the players feels and think and I guess that is fine.



I`m just trying to understand the hat better, but I`ll let it go, because it`s a tradition - yeah, it`s a sport and it`s fun to watch.

I think where the confusion lies is essentially in the difference between a band’s “best of” and their “greatest hits.” Ostensibly the same idea, but there can be differences, especially from the band’s perspective.

The hat can’t be a best performance thing, because it’s given out by the guy who got it the game before. What if the same guy is the best performer two games in a row?

The purpose of it is for players to give each other recognition for who they thought really stood out in a game. It doesn’t have to be on the scoresheet. And it doesn’t have to be who stood out the most. Totally subjective to the player who got it last. Doing it makes the team feel more like a unit and less like a group of individuals. Even though it’s one guy awarding it, the whole team gets to recognize and celebrate it together.

 

[Ori]

Anyway, let`s hope that Smith brings extra energy next game based on the hat - we need a new W tomorrow evening!
Yes a good point @Tawnos - it`s difficult to debate tradition too.

 

[Tawnos]

Anyway, let`s hope that Smith brings extra energy next game based on the hat - we need a new a W tomorrow evening!
Yes a good point @Tawnos - it`s difficult to debate tradition too.

It’s hard for me to think of it as tradition, since it’s only been happening for 10 years. But really it is.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

It’s hard for me to think of it as tradition, since it’s only been happening for 10 years. But really it is.

Were the Rangers the first ones to do something like that?

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Were the Rangers the first ones to do something like that?

I remember seeing this on 24/7 back in 2011 and they explained it started when a girl gave her fedora to Brad Richards.

I have seen similar traditions on earlier 24/7 shows

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I remember seeing this on 24/7 back in 2011 and they explained it started when a girl gave her fedora to Brad Richards.

I have seen similar traditions on earlier 24/7 shows

I want to be a professional athlete and have girls give me fedoras!

 

[will1066]

Weren't we also first with the end of game stick salute?

 

[Krams]

Weren't we also first with the end of game stick salute?

God, we're such trailblazers

 

[Tawnos]

Weren't we also first with the end of game stick salute?

In the NHL. They’ve been doing it in Europe much longer. Jagr and the other Czechs brought it back to the states.

 

[mike14]

Were the Rangers the first ones to do something like that?

I remember during the Flames cup run they talked about a red hard hat given to the player who best 'did the hard yards' each game, so a similar concept.

 

[Paulie Walnutz]

The Flyers have a Ric Flair robe and the Devils have an Army jacket

 

[romba]

@Ori appreciate the effort to try to keep things fresh but chill my man with trying to revamp the team traditions, most tenured fans are happy with everything except the play on ice occasionally and maybe too many ritzy white-collar fans arriving half way through the game.

The hat is a newer tradition but it allows the player a voice in who deserves it. Hank likely gave it to Smith to give him positive feedback despite his rough start. Like 'shit happens man, all is forgiven if you get back on track we respect what you bring'. If you rag on a guy too much, especially when he shows repent and works to get back in shape, he'll quit and mail it in eventually.

Basically, 'trust the pro-cess'

 

[romba]

Rangers were first with the stick salute. Post '04 lockout season the Euros on the team brought it over as a way to thank the fans for sticking with the team through lockout and it stuck as a great gesture since that many, if not all teams do now.

 

[Mordeth]

Isn't there a game today? I don't see a game tread.