When Mark Messier spoke about the Rangers yesterday,he sometimes slipped and used the term, “We.” It is
understandable considering this was the first NHL regular season since 1978 that Messier didn ‘t play.Still,the tran-
sition from player to fan has gone well.
The way Messier tells it,when he is at the Garden – and he plans on being in attendance during the playoffs – he
is as loud as a Blue Seater.
“I ‘m a big fan,” Messier told The Post yesterday. “I lead the cheers at the Garden.”
Thanks to the Rangers ‘ 5–1 loss to the Senators,he ‘ll have to wait until Game 3 to do that against the Devils.
But win or lose this series,Messier is in awe of Jaromir Jagr.Not only does Messier think Jagr deserves the Hart Tro-
phy,but he believes that Jagr ‘s performance this year may be the best in Rangers ‘ history..
“He has had probably as good a year as anyone has had playing for the Rangers,” Messier said.. “He took a team that was supposed to finish last overall.”
Messier,45,is undecided on his future.He said in a year or two he could consider a coaching or GM job, but he is mostly focused on chasing after his two children and raising money for charity,specifically the Tomorrows Children ‘s Fund.
On Friday,Messier takes to the tube as The Mark Messier Leadership Camp will air on OLN at 5 p.m.
“I miss playing,but I don ‘t wish I was out there if that makes sense,” Messier said. “I ‘m not wishing I hadn ‘t retired.”
As he looked at the Rangers ‘ chances in the playoffs,Messier almost seemed as if he transformed back into a player.
“We ‘ll start with the first game,” he said, “and take it one game at a time.”
It was a dozen years ago,that mantra and a little guarantee – against these same Devils,by the way – ended in an historic Cup at the Garden.
Does Messier have any more guarantees?
“Yes,” Messier said.. “I ‘ll be watching.”