The New York Rangers impressive Game 6 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday night was heartwarming rather than heartbreaking in more ways than one.
While the Blueshirts kept their playoff hopes alive with the 3-1 win — their second W in a row — it was particularly emotional for star forward Martin St. Louis whose mother unexpectedly died of a heart attack on Thursday.
While the Blueshirts kept their playoff hopes alive with the 3-1 win — their second W in a row — it was particularly emotional for star forward Martin St. Louis whose mother unexpectedly died of a heart attack on Thursday.
St. Louis rejoined the Rangers in time for Game 5 after a brief visit home to be with his family. Then, on Sunday — Mother's Day — St. Louis scored the game's first goal and helped the Rangers stave off elimination on home ice.
St. Louis' family was in the building for Game 6 and a loud Madison Square Garden crowd showed their affection for him by changing "Marty" throughout the game.
The emotions continued to pour out after the game in New York's dressing room.
It is customary for the Rangers to give their player of the game “The Broadway Hat." St. Louis earned it in Game 5, so it was his task to give it out on Sunday. He couldn't narrow it down to one player, though.
St. Louis delivered an emotional speech to his teammates, awarding the hat to the entire team for their effort.
“Great win, boys,” St. Louis said to the room full of Rangers. “You've gotta picture it, ya know. You gotta believe it. You gotta see it in your head that every thing's possible.
"Everybody pushed tonight. I can't pick one guy, I gotta give it to the whole team. You guys have been nothing but unbelievable for me these past couple days and I'll never forget that. This was a team [expletive] win tonight. I couldn't be prouder to be a [expletive] New York Ranger with you guys.”
The Rangers will undoubtedly take these heartfelt words into Game 7 Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.
No comments:
Post a Comment