By Ryan “The Goose” Gosike
At every turn during the current NBA and NHL season, there has been a feeling of “Man, this feels like 1994.” For Knicks and Rangers fans, they better hope it is a return to glory. In the 1994, the Rangers hoisted their 1st Stanley Cup since before World War II. The Knicks went to the Finals for the first time since they won the title in 1973. The Rangers won the Cup while the Knicks were defeated by the Houston Rockets. That was the summer of the OJ Simpson chase which ultimately cut a live stream of the Knicks Finals game. Now, in 2024, OJ Simpson, recently, passed away. The Rangers are the President’s Trophy winners for the first time since 1994. The Knicks are the #2 seed for the first time since 94. The stars have aligned for each team to make deep playoff runs and make Madison Square Garden the place to be in May and June. The Rangers swept their first round series and won game 1 of the second round; something they did in 1994. For the Knicks, to get to Finals, they will have to beat the Pacers. In 94, they did it in the Conference Finals. Now, they have a chance to do it in the 2nd round. The last major earthquake in NY was 1994 before it happened this year. The stars seem to be aligning for intense, fun times in Manhattan. Outside of the weird replicas in schedules and results, both teams have earned the right to be here. The Knicks are doing so with a collection of good players. They have no megastar although Jalen Brunson has taken that role, but there is no selfish player on the team. Every man fits their role to perfection and fully commits to dominating that role. If you are looking to start a basketball clinic, just turn on NY Knicks basketball film. For the Rangers, this has been building for years. They have had quality playoff runs before, but this team with the current talent has to sniff the Stanley Cup before they age out of contention. Igor Shesterkin has returned to form which means he should buy Jonathan Quick, his backup, a new car because when Shesterkin was atrocious earlier this season, Quick held down the fort to keep them at the top of the Eastern Conference. They beat down the Washington Capitals who were the worst +/- playoff team since 1992. The battle is Carolina, but the Rangers have psychologically owned them. The Conference Finals will be either Boston or Florida. It will be a battle, but both fanbases should be thrilled as they enjoy their ride and $2,000 per seat tickets.
Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!
