Flyers Fans Should Be Lovin’ the Rangers

by

Dear Flyers Fans,

We know that game 7 loss hurt. We know it hurt even more because it was at the hands of the New York Rangers, a team you hate more than almost any other. You hate the New York swagger and attitude.  You hate the success that came at your expense this year. You hate the fedora known as The Broadway Hat. You hate that Henrik Lundqvist had your number in another big game. And, more than anything else, you hate this guy:

In all honesty, there’s not a single thing about the Rangers you don’t hate right now. Yes, that was a double-negative–and you probably hate that, too. We’re not saying that this win made us hate you any less either. We still hate the Philadelphia Flyers with a passion that burns with the heat of a thousand suns. But it’s always easier to manage those emotions when you’re on the winning side.  Now we’re asking you to do something that will go against all those years of built-up hatred and loathing, as well as the all-too-recent scars of game 7.  We’re asking you to show the Rangers some love in the second round.

We get that you’re ready to rip our throat out for even making that suggestion–but before you do, hear us out.  Yes, you hate us.  But, based on recent history, you hate the Pittsburgh Penguins even more. You know we’re right–don’t even try denying it (video proof below). Since we’re now looking to beat up on them, we’re the most logical choice for your support.  We’re not asking you to like us, just to swallow that hate for four to seven games. Or, better yet, redirect it to hate the Pens even more. Still not convinced?  Read on.

How many players on the Rangers do you truly despise (other than Dan Carcillo, that is)? Honestly, does Mats Zuccarello really inspire the same degree of hatred as, say, James Neal? How about Ryan McDonagh vs. Brooks Orpik? Rick Nash vs. Evgeni Malkin? Are you beginning to see what we mean? Your hate is much stronger when it’s directed towards southwest PA. For one last comparison, try this: picture Henrik Lundqvist raising the Stanley Cup.  Go ahead, do it now.  We know it probably made you throw up in your mouth a little, but after the initial shock the horror wears off and it gets better, doesn’t it? Now scroll down and look at the picture below. If that doesn’t convince you, then nothing will.

 

Sidney Crosby (Andy from Pittsburgh/Wikimedia).
Flyers fans, do you EVER want to see this again? The Rangers can prevent it this year. (Andy from Pittsburgh/Wikimedia)

We understand that there has been tons of bad blood between the Rangers and Flyers fans.  But don’t let the actions of a few people (who don’t deserve to be called “fans”) destroy the rest of our reputations. Let’s be clear here–there were many reports of so-called Rangers “fans” posting racist remarks on Twitter directed at Wayne Simmonds. No true fan would ever stoop so low–and we condemn those people every bit as much as you do. We will not even post links to their tweets here.  Their 15 minutes of fame needs to be over. They do not represent us, and never will.

Is there anything else? Ah yes, the Broadway Hat. Don’t hate on the World’s Most Famous Fedora. It’s one of the classier traditions in hockey right now–and more sanitary than throwing seafood on the ice, too (grand tradition though that may be). Once again, the Penguins have a corresponding tradition that you can hate even more.  Their player of the game award is currently a rock. Yes, a rock. Honestly, now, isn’t forcing your team’s best player to look like they’re auditioning for The Flintstones Movie worthy of some patented Philly hate?

So there you have it, Flyers fans.  While we would never expect you to actually like the Rangers (there have to be some boundaries here), they remain a much better choice for your support than the alternative. We know it’s hard, so take another look at that picture up above and remember what we’re fighting for here. And when your resolve is tested, keep repeating “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Welcome to the dark side–here’s your fedora.

Sincerely,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Rangers Fans

14 thoughts on “Flyers Fans Should Be Lovin’ the Rangers”

  1. Yo Kevin,

    Even though its been weeks since your team lost in the finals to “Flyers West” I have to say that had Megna NOT concussed Mason in the next to last game of the regular season your sorry team would not have gotten passed me Flyers. Take that fedora and put it where the sun don’t shine.

  2. Maybe I am the only Flyers fan that found this letter amusing, and somewhat inspiring. I would gladly cheer on anyone playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins. I may even watch their next game. I found this “letter” to be pretty clever, even if it was a fake plea for help. It certainly won me over. Maybe I am just a silly girl.

    • Thanks, Angela! I don’t think it’s silly to have a sense of humor about our teams… I’m just glad that somebody “got it”–things were getting much too serious here. I’d like to think I’d still have the same sense of humor about it if game 7 had turned out differently, but I also can see it might still be too soon…

  3. Dear Flyers Fans
    Youre still getting coal because of the battery incident. That said, you need to realize your not any better than the Panthers fans or Sabres fans. At least they are getting good draft picks. All your getting is a good tee time.

    • Santa,
      Thanks for the read and the comment. Now, about that pony I asked for when I was 5…

  4. I HATE ALL THINGS NEW YORK, EVEN TEAMS THAT ARE NOT IN NEW YORK BUT NEW JERSEY AND STILL CALL THEMSELVES NEW YORK. AND FOR THE RECORD THE SUPER BOWL WAS IN NEW JERSEY THIS YEAR NOT NEW YORK SO GO AWAY.

  5. Wow, this was pretty lowbrow. I am not a Rangers fan, but will cheer most anyone playing against the Philthadelphia Flyers and the City of Motherly Thugs. I get that you are tring to pack your intensity for the next level of the playoffs, but since you will not be on the ice maybe dialing it back a bit as a fan would be good for your blood pressure. The fans that are smacking each other in the stands in Philly, the racist tweets… do we need to incite bad blood? Poor sportsmanship from players or fans is unnecessary. In other words, grow up man.

    • Thanks for the read and the reply, Joel. Bear in mind that pretty much the only part of this post that was intended to be 100% serious was the paragraph on the despicable racism shown towards Wayne Simmonds (it applies equally to the tweets directed against Subban last night). Sorry the humor in the rest of it was lost on you.

  6. As a life long ranger fan I can honestly say I would rather cut my own penis off than have any kind of support or any kind of comradery with them scummy punk douche bag flyers or fans. I pray that Russian president Putin sends a nuke to downtown Philly. Take your support and ram it up your mommas seat

  7. Dear Rangers Fans,

    Well, now REALLY! I cheered for you guys in round 1 because – well – I don’t much care for the Flyers. I would much prefer my beloved Pens face you guys than the Philadelphia crowd.

    I also cheered for you guys when you were playing the Washington Crapitals in last year’s playoffs. I did that at the Verizon Center where I was outnumbered by at least 1000 to 1.

    And I think your goalie is drop-dead gorgeous (in addition to being a talented goalie).

    So how about you lighten up – maybe just a little?

    • WI Pittsburgh Fan,
      Thanks for the read and the response. I get that this one hit close to home for you–but the Stanley Cup Playoffs can turn brother against brother, and the team we cheer for today might be our enemy again tomorrow. Trust me, we appreciated the support last round (well, SOME of us did, anyway). But that’s history now… As of 7PM tonight, our teams are officially enemies again. Bear in mind that most of this post was written with tongue firmly in cheek–but you’re right, there are a LOT of folks that need to lighten up right about now.

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