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Rivalry Week: The Story Behind the Famous Potvin Chant

One thing that is a guarantee at any New York Rangers game is a “Potvin Sucks” chant from the fans. It has been decades since the origin of the chant, but whenever fans hear the initial whistle, they know just what to do. Interestingly, some young fans do not know about the hit or even who Potvin was, just that the famous chant is a tradition at Madison Square Garden.

On February 25th, 1979 at the Garden, the Rangers were playing the New York Islanders when “Potvin Sucks!” was born. Ulf Nilsson, a young and quick Rangers’ forward filled with potential, was going for the puck with a minute and twenty seconds left in the period.