Knicks, Rangers fans hoping to party like it’s 1994 as both teams chase championships: ‘It would mean everything’

Knicks, Rangers fans hoping to party like it’s 1994 as both teams chase championships: ‘It would mean everything’
By: NY Post - US-News Posted On: April 20, 2024 View: 8

It’s déjà vu 30 years later for the primary tenants of The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Both the Knicks and Rangers this weekend begin what they hope morphs into the type of magical two-month rides that drove them to glory in the spring of 1994 – and championship-starved New Yorkers can’t wait.

Secondary market prices for tickets at Madison Square Garden for both teams’ opening rounds are through the roof — with even nosebleed seats running over $300 a pop.

Madison Square Garden is the home of the NHL’s New York Rangers and the NBA’s New York Knicks. NurPhoto via Getty Images

While get-in prices were much cheaper 30 years ago, there’s still plenty of similarities for both teams heading into the playoffs.

Like this season, the Mark Messier-led Rangers also won the President’s Trophy in 1994 for having the NHL’s best regular-record season record. 

The Blueshirts then went on to end a 54-year drought by capturing their first Stanley Cup championship since 1940.

Meanwhile, the Knicks began playoff action Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers as the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed.

Houston Rockets’ Hakeem Olajuwon fends off the Knicks Patrick Ewing during Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals at MSG. Although the Knicks won the game, the Rockets went on to take the series 4 games to 3. AFP via Getty Images

That’s the same seeding Patrick Ewing and company had 30 years ago before ultimately losing a heartbreaking NBA Finals to the Houston Rockets, which infamously included California Highway Patrol’s pursuit and arrest of OJ Simpson overshadowing Game 5 of the seven-game series.

The disgraced NFL legend was back in the news last week for dying at the age of 76.

“I think there’s a little bit of unfinished business from ’94 in that the Rangers won, but the Knicks didn’t,” said Gregory Armstrong, a Knicks season ticket holder for the past 32 years.

California Highway Patrol in June 1994 chasing a white Ford Bronco carrying OJ Simpson. AP

“It seemed like it was going to be a storybook ending and both were going to win the same year, but the Knicks came up a little short.”

“Now it seems like the Garden is the place to be, the Mecca is the epicenter, and both teams are going to win it this year, and it will be awesome for the City of New York,” he predicted, sounding like Messier before Game 6 of 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the Devils.

Former Rangers great Adam Graves, who starred with Messier and Brian Leetch for the Stanley Cup champs, said his club and members of the 1993-94 Knicks formed a strong bond that season and cheered hard for one another.

Adam Graves holding the Stanley Cup in the Rangers locker room after they won the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals. Graves said nothing in sports beats winning in New York and playing at Madison Square Garden. Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images

He said the similarities between that season and this season are uncanny for both the teams and their fans — and only expects the buzz to grow should the Knicks and Rangers play deep into the playoffs.

“It didn’t matter where you went [in 1994], you would see Knicks and Rangers banners in the window, people flying Knicks and Rangers flags and wearing jerseys in the streets,” Graves said.

“It was a special time and that part of it you never forget. The energy here is special, and that is why I always say whether you’re a Ranger or a Knick it’s a privilege to play at Madison Square Garden.”

Longtime Rangers season ticket holder Joseph Cacchioli with his daughter Gina. Courtesy of Joseph Cacchioli

Joseph Cacchioli, a Rangers season ticket holder since 1976, said both teams’ fan bases are just as passionate 30 years later, but believes the clubs’ playoff paths are much harder.

“In 1993-94, the Rangers were head and shoulders above the rest, but they now have a much steeper hill to climb even though they also finished first overall” in the regular season, said Cacchioli, 67, of Manhasset Hills on Long Island.

Prices for Cacchioli’s two upper bowl seats to the Rangers’ first-round opener against the Washington Capitals on Sunday were demanding at least $350 each on secondary market sites like StubHub, or nearly double the $190 price MSG charges.

MSG chairman and CEO James Dolan is sitting pretty and has plenty to smile about with the Knicks and Rangers contending for championships. Getty Images
Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon grabs for the ball over Knicks forward Charles Oakley, on his back, as Knicks center Patrick Ewing pursues during Game 3 of the 1994 NBA Finals. The Rockets won the game and the series. AP
Longtime Knicks season ticket holder Gregory Armstrong (in center wearing a “12” jersey honoring soon-to-be Hall of Famer Dick Barnett) joined by his son Daron (far right) and two friends. Courtesy of Gregory Armstrong

However, he said he has no plans to sell them for a quick buck and hopes to enjoy a long playoff run.

Armstrong also said he has no desire to miss any games.

“I’m 60 years old and I got to get a championship before I die,” said Armstrong.

“I was young in 1973 when they last won so I really don’t remember. It would mean everything to me.”

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