from Steve Politi of the Star-Ledger,

They did not die in peace. We should start there because, well, you had to wonder, right? The Rangers last won the Stanley Cup in 1994, and while that is not an eternity for a fan base that once suffered for a half century, a lot can happen in 20 years.

A lot did happen in the 20 years between that time and the Rangers return to the Stanley Cup Final this spring. Steve and Mike Zaretsky both got married and had two kids, making their dad Dave a proud grandfather. They all continued attending Rangers games as a family, becoming friends with many of the players they once cheered on from Section 72 in the old Madison Square Garden.

Oh, and over those 20 years they probably told the same story a few thousand times, often to disbelieving ears, about their claim to fame in Rangers lore. They are the fans who, on June 14, 1994, held up what has to be the single most famous and greatest sign in sports history.

“NOW I CAN DIE IN PEACE”

continued