COMING DOWN THE HOME STRETCH...

As we lurch towards the end of March, we find that the run towards the playoffs for the local sports teams intensifies with each passing day.  Usually around this time of year we concentrate on the hockey scene with the NJ Devils and NY Rangers dominating the playoff news.  However, this time around, we actually get to talk about some basketball for a change as the NY Knicks are relevant players in the playoff scene this time around.

Seriously, When was the last time you actually had a conversation about the Knicks in April?  At least 10 years if I had to guess off the top of my head.  Well, barring a total collapse by the team over the next couple of weeks, NY's basketball team should make it to the playoffs for the first time in a LONG TIME. While their run in the playoffs will probably be a short one, it's commendable that they even made it to the playoffs in the first place.  Baby steps, my friend; baby steps.  At least this team is finally going in the right direction.

As for the hockey teams, there's less than three weeks left in the regular season and as things stand right now, the NY Rangers are thick in the playoff hunt.  They should get into the Stanley Cup race, barring any major setbacks.  The NJ Devils, after starting out the season with the worst record in the league, are making a major push to squeak into the playoffs.  They have been on a major roll since the All-Star break and have an outside chance of making the playoffs.  There aren't that many games left in the regular season, so it remains to be seen if they will pull this off.   If they do, it will be nothing short of a miracle.  Stay tuned.  They NY Islanders, while making strides as a young team, will most likely miss out on the playoffs this year but will be a force to be reckoned with in the next few years.

It's looking like Springtime in the Big Apple should be an active one for the sports teams and the bars for a change!  I can't wait! 

Oh, and if you haven't gotten on board yet, you can follow the bar on Twitter (@ThirdandLongNYC) as well as me (@swandad) for the latest updates and timely blurbs to make your day.


Cheers!