In their first round victory over the Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers fans started a new chant at MSG: Beginning a countdown at the 11:11 mark and then screaming "Alfie Sucks!" at 11 minutes left in each period; a goof on a more good-natured cheer Sens fans used to honor No. 11 Daniel Alfredsson in Ottawa.
In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, the MSG faithful started a new tradition: Counting down around the 8-minute mark of each period and then screaming "Ovi Sucks!" in honor of Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin:
This marks the second consecutive postseason in which Rangers fans have tailored a chant to the Capitals. Please recall the "Can You Hear Us?" taunting of then-Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau after he goofed on MSG's "quiet" atmosphere during last year's quarterfinals.
Did the chant fire up Ovechkin?
Uh, that's a "no." The Rangers take Game 1, 3-1, over Washington.