RANGERS SENS PARTY HIGHLIGHTS

Last night's Game 4 Viewing Party for the NY Rangers v Ottawa Senators proved to be a great success on most fronts.  We started the night with a great live pre-game broadcast by Paul Cuthbert and Mike Carver from the HOCKEY THIS WEEK radio show.

The patrons who were on hand for the broadcast really enjoyed listening to the guys talk about the playoffs and it helped get everyone in the mood for the big game.

The game itself was pretty intense, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every precious goal, and the packed bar hung on every pass, shot, cross check and goal.

Of course, the game would have to go into overtime, which frazzled everyone's nerves even more and when Ottawa scored the game-winning goal, you could feel the air being let out of the balloon in the room.  Ranger fans were understandably disappointed, but you got the general sense that they weren't worried; that the series was still theirs to win.

With the series now tied at two games a piece, Game 5 takes place this Saturday night at MSG (7pm).  You can bet we'll have the game on (w/audio), so get here early.  Seating is at a premium so stake out your spot.  We almost had a bit of a scrum over seating when a group of older guys tried to lay claim to a reserved table and got pissed off when they couldn't get it.  When it was pointed out to them that there were other seating available for them, they whined like little kids before finally taking the seats.  Pretty annoying actually.  So get here early, stake out a prime viewing spot and enjoy the game!

While you're here, check out a new service here at Third and Long, called ICE CODE BEER.com.  Using the QR reader on your smartphone, the ICE CODE BEER app allows you to check out what current beers are available (on tap/bottles), updates you on when a particular beer has been "tapped" or "kicked", what style of beer a particular brand is, what kind of food you can pair a particular beer with, and so on.  The app also has a pretty extensive beer list so if you're looking for a particular brand or style of beer, chances are that you'll find the beer and it's origin here.  It's great for craft beer enthusiasts and newbies alike.

So next time you're here, whip out your smartphone, give it a try and tell us what you think!

AND FINALLY: It's sad to say it, but an icon has passed away.

 DICK CLARK, formally of "American Bandstand" and of course, "New Year's Rockin' Eve" died at the age of 82.  How many of us can think of those countless celebrations on New Year's Eve with him leading the countdown on Times Square?  The New Year's Eve countdown will never be the same.  Rest in peace, big guy.


Cheers!