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Decades Later, Does Potvin Still Suck?

June 15, 2014, 10:30 AM ET [29 Comments]
Dee Karl
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The clear answer at MSG is “Yes.” But why? Why should a man who hasn’t played the game in literally DECADES still be looked upon as fodder for hatred? His winning smile? His easy, Canadian ways? His hunting skills? His hockey broadcast commentary? Nope. None of the above.

Although there seems to be some controversy as where the Ranger fan chant did come from, it seems to have stood the test of time better than almost anything in the NHL. For many who watched the Stanley Cup Final, it did seem odd that fans could be heard chanting during a hard fought series against the LA Kings. Isn’t that silly? Hmmm… I guess just as silly as us Islander fans doing the Chicken Dance at every game at the Coliseum -- or elsewhere.

Rob M ‏@Bromodrosis 23h
Just heard the 'Potvin sucks!' whistle and response in the Rangers game. Awesome. #BecauseItsTheCup

And so it starts -- with a whistle.

But ask many why they do it:

Meldawg ‏@mellydemarco 22h Or like tell me about the whole "potvin sucks" ordeal...anything? ANYTHING?! #bandwagoners

anthony ‏@a_gillette3 22h
@kateeguidetti I heard someone saying potvin sucks the other day, I asked them who he was and they said idk some guy they yell at msg

Honestly, how can they know? It was long before many were born.


iRace 5S ‏@kevin_irace 23h
@BigRedDiva @danlombardi93 the Potvin sucks chant has nothing to do with his skill, it's about his career ruining hit

Well, that is one theory. But there is another one.

broonsdad • 2 years ago
The Rangers fans didn't invent the chant: ''Potvin Sucks''. When I was with the Ottawa 67's organization, late 60's, early 70's, we'd hear that chant allover the OHL. Opposing fans hated him, cause he was too good...

And that he was. So very good as to incite the ire of opposing fans.

During the final though, another idea was floated:

Kimo von Oelhoffen ‏@Mitso69 23h Maybe instead of Potvin sucks you clowns should chant Girardi sucks

Ouch. No, seriously, ouch.

But should they keep doing it? Does it have any relevance any longer?

Jonathan Helfman ‏@jhelfman 22h @davebriggstv I'm kinda all in favor of retiring "Potvin sucks" forever. We can use the Crosby chant for the next 30 years.

He has a point there.

It is a tradition. Just as our Chicken Dance is one. It passes from generation to generation of fan, from parent to child and so on and so on. It something they can share together. So, for that reason, I suppose -- it’s okay by me.

Certainly our Chicken Dance is focused on an entire rival entity, not just one long past prime player. But it is our tradition and we should allow them to have theirs.

Sort of.

Jaro ‏@jamesgarcia337 23h "Potvin Sucks" pic.twitter.com/so2Sr67rj5

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