#StanleyCupFinals LIVING UP TO THE HYPE...

It's Thursday and I am still trying to recover from last night's game between the Bruins and Blackhawks.  Last night's thrilling 6-5 OT win by the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup has only proved that the this year's Cup is developing into one hell of a series.  The bar had a pretty even split of fans from both teams and what was even more remarkable was the large contingent of female hockey fans, which I love!

Overall the turnout for the game was huge and while that in itself was great, it also brought about a bit of sadness for me personally.  In the twenty-plus years I've been with Third and Long, I'm proud of what we've done here.  We've seen a lot of great things take place over the years, but one of the things I'm most proud of is how we've been able to develop into one of the best hockey bars in the city.  It took a lot of work and a lot of time to build our credibility with both the NHL and with hockey fans in general, but the hard work paid off.  As a result, we were able to develop great relationships with the NHL and its associates, beat writers and hockey pundits, various teams (especially the NY Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens),  and most importantly, the fans.

So as we prepare to close our doors next Wednesday night, there is a huge possibility that we may have a Stanley Cup Game 7 on our last night of existence and how appropriate would that be?  If the hockey gods have their say, they wouldn't have it any other way.

As for myself, I don't yet know what the future holds for me, but wherever it takes me, I hope to continue to foster relationships with the individuals and teams I've met thanks to the NHL.  It's been an awesome experience.


Until Game 5.....



Cheers!

COORS LIGHT GLASS GIVEAWAY TONIGHT!

Join us for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup (Bruins vs Blackhawks) tonight (8pm w/audio) and take home this cool NHL Pint Glass with a purchase of Coors Light (while supplies last)!

And don't forget to get here early tomorrow night for the EPIC Game 7 between the Miami Heat & the San Antonio Spurs (9pm w/audio)!

ON ANOTHER NOTE: Check out our most recent follower on Twitter:

Jay Baruchel, star of the current comedy hit "This Is The End",  "Goon", "Knocked Up" and other countless hits finally noticed us on Twitter!  Great guy and how ironic is it that he finally follows us while his new movie is out and doing well (note the title: "This Is The End").  Hahaha.  In any case, we appreciate the follow!

Ok, wrapping it up now- it's almost time for Game 4!

Cheers!

GEAR UP FOR A HEATWAVE....

If you spent any time in the area during the Memorial Day Weekend, you were no doubt disappointed with the weather.  Between the thunderstorms and the chilly temps, it felt like the end of Summer as opposed to the start of it.

Well, that's going to change quickly starting today as temps will soar into the 80's and even the 90's through the rest of the week.  So get your summer gear ready, cause you're going to need it.  We're ready on our end, just having our AC unit tuned up last week.  We should be all set on our end.

As for summer beverages, we've rolled out our popular Abita Strawberry Wheat, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy and Berry Weiss, perfect for quenching that thirst on that hot Summer day.  We've also brought back our famous Twizzle Tea (Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka & Lemonade) for those of you who rather stay away from the beers.  And don't forget our "Thirsty Thursdays", where you can enjoy a special deal on red/white sangria.

The NY Rangers were eliminated over the holiday weekend and as a result, all of our local teams are now out of playoff contention.  As sad as that was to see, it's been a great post-season at the bar, with good crowds on hand to cheer on not only the locals, but for various other playoff teams still in contention.

As the NBA & NHL reach their final stages of their championship run, we will continue to highlight all of the games leading to the NBA Championship and the Stanley Cup.

TONIGHT: GAME 7- Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks (7pm), with the winner moving on to face the L.A. Kings in the NHL Western Conference Finals.  The Subway Series also changes venues, as the NY Yankees and NY Mets continue their big series at Yankee Stadium.  It's also PUB TRIVIA NIGHT (8pm).  As always, it's free to play, with a $45 bar tab up for grabs for the winning team!  Get here early as prime seating gets snapped up quickly!

So it's a fun-filled night on tap, with something for everyone!  Look forward to seeing everyone!


Cheers!

WHIRLWIND WEEKEND...

I'm currently watching ENGLAND vs FRANCE (Euro 2012) at the bar as I update the blog, and I have to say, I've been impressed with the action of the tournament so far.  Most of the matches have been interesting and entertaining; I only expect things to get better as the tournament goes on.

The weekend itself was pleasantly busy, with birthday parties and a full weekend of riveting sporting events capturing everyone's attention.  It all started out with the surprising news about the Belmont Stakes favorite, "I'LL HAVE ANOTHER" and his abrupt scratch from the big race.  That threw everyone for a loop and fueled speculation that there was some shady dealings going on.  Fortunately that didn't dampen the spirits of the regulars at the bar, who still enjoyed what turned out to be a fantastic race.

Speaking of regulars, one of our own (LAW SCHOOL HOWIE), celebrated his 27th birthday on Friday and he had a large contingent of well-wishers stop by throughout out the course of the night.  They brought a cool vibe to the bar and it turned out to be fun night for all.

Saturday was a full, and I mean FULL day of sports with the EURO 2012 kicking things off for us.  From there, it was a steady stream of sports action and if you were a true sports fan, you were experiencing nirvana.  Between that, the Belmont Stakes, the Subway Series, Stanley Cup Game 5 (Devils vs Kings) and the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7 (Heat vs Celtics),  and the usual debauchery of a Saturday night, it was literally sensory overload.  Another good day.

During the Devils/Kings game, one of our regulars got a bit of camera time with this stunt:

courtesy of I4u.com

Ah, kids...

Sunday was more or less "Recovery Day" as the neighborhood was blissfully serene.  Aside from the folks in tow for the EURO 2012 matches earlier in the day, it was pretty sedate otherwise.  We did get a visit from NICOLE POWELL of the NY LIBERTY later in the evening.  She's a good friend of the bar and it was great to catch up with her.  It's been too long since her last visit.

TONIGHT: "MONDAY NIGHT UNWIND" featuring $2 Domestic Draft mugs and 2-for-1 Wine/Sangria by the Glass (5pm - close).  Catch Game 6 of the Stanley Cup (8pm, w/audio)!  Will the NJ Devils continue their improbable comeback or will the LA Kings finally lift the cup on home ice?  Join us and find out!


Cheers!

"THE CUP FINALS" IS A LOT LIKE "HUNGER GAMES"...

Throughout the NHL playoffs, one of the things I've enjoyed the most is the playful banter with many hockey fans, especially on Twitter.  And one of the things that has come out of the banter is the constant references to the blockbuster film, "The Hunger Games".  Now unless you have been living under a rock, then you know what the premise of the film is.  And if you, in fact, have been spending your vacation under a rock (or in Alabama, same thing),  and have no idea what I am talking about, here's the Cliff Notes version.

In any case, hockey fans have taken to comparing the NHL playoffs with "The Hunger Games", using symbolic references from the movie for various scenarios of the live playoff games.  Each seeded team are referred to as Districts, just as in the movie.  Depending on each team's situation during each successive round, witty quotes/photos from the film are applied; best of all, it's fun to see other hockey fans and even NHL players get involved in the banter.

One notable player in particular, ANTHONY STEWART of the Carolina Hurricanes, has taken this sort of banter to a new level, and has become the de-facto go-to guy for great Hunger Games quotes.

Why do I bring this up now?  Because after watching the NJ Devils (better known as District 6, for their #6 seeding) take a beating from the LA Kings (otherwise known as District 8, for their #8 seeding) in Game 3, their backs are up against the wall.  The citizens of District 6 ) find themselves in desperate need of a parachute, some guidance or any kind of tribute to hold off a sweep.  It seems that fate has not been kind to the NJ Devils thus far as they have run into a swarm of killer bees.  And after last night's loss,  I got the sense that many of the District 6 faithful were ready to pull out the cyanide capsules.

That being said, while things do look especially grim for the NJ Devils, it's not over yet.  While you have to commend District 8, err.. the LA Kings for their dominant performance, not only in the Stanley Cup, but in the playoffs in general, they still have to win ONE more game.  And while history is on their side, it's not impossible for the Devils, if they approach it the right way.  Every game from this point forward is a Game 7.  Don't look ahead to Saturday or next week.  Focus on Wednesday and put everything out there- leave nothing behind.

photo credit: @ehstew13

That also goes for the NJ Devils fans.  Now is not the time for you to "jump ship" now that you find yourselves on the verge of elimination.  Your team can still climb their way back into this series.  And if in fact, you do end up hearing the sounds of the cannons signaling your elimination from the Stanley Cup,  you can at least hold your head up high and say that you were there for your team, through thick and thin.

Will District 6 become the last district eliminated from the Stanley Cup (otherwise known as the NHL Hunger Games)?  Or will the cannoneers stand at bay for another night?  We'll find out on Wednesday night.  In any case, I hope to see full contingents from both districts in the house, cheering wildly.


TONIGHT: CRAFT BREW TUESDAYS (5pm-close).  Enjoy $3/pints of select craft beers tonight and every Tuesday night!  TONIGHT'S SELECTIONS: Shipyard Sea Dog Blueberry Ale, Long Trail Belgian White, Lagunitas IPA and Brooklyn Pennant Ale!

And make sure to catch Game 5, Heat vs Celtics (8pm)!


Cheers!

BREAKING THE (heat) WAVES....

So far, our "unofficial summer" has been a scorcher.  With high temps and brutal humidity bearing down on us, especially over the holiday weekend , this week has been a royal pain in the arse, if you know what I mean.  Of course, when the weather becomes unbearable, strange things begin to happen.  Whether it be  the beer box or the air conditioner acting up (the two things you need to work on days like these), you can always count on Murphy's Law to kick in.  Thankfully, we're due for a break by the time the weekend arrives, with more tolerable weather to enjoy.

Speaking of "Heat Waves", there is a subject that comes up every so often here in NYC, and that is the topic of topless women in pubic places.  Recently there's been a spike of the number of women walking the streets of the Big Apple topless, enjoying the hot summer rays.  Now in a city where practically nothing shakes the average New Yorker, this has caused more than its fair share of confusion.  Who are these women who dare bare their breasts in public?  Is that legal?  Why aren't they being arrested?  

Courtesy of NYC.BarstoolSports.com

Fact of the matter is that it IS legal for females to go topless in public in NY State.  And so every so often, you'll see the random female exercising her right to bare it all (up top), ..... because she can.   Read more on this fascinating story HERE.  And in the meantime, if you happen to come across a young lady walking about, sans top, remember guys.. "eyes up here".  :)

KINGS vs DEVILS, Game 1: The L.A. Kings continued their road domination, stealing an OT win from the NJ Devils in the opening game of the Stanley Cup.  Both teams were tentative, feeling each other out for a few periods before finally opening things up in the 3rd period and in overtime.  Now some NJ Devils fans are already in panic mode, while some Kings fans are already lifting The Cup.  Settle down, folks.  I get the feeling that it's going to be a long series.  Buckle up!

Game 2 this Saturday at The Rock! (8pm)

On a separate note, we tip our cap to Detroit Red Wings defenseman, NICKLAS LIDSTROM, who hung up his skates today after 20 years.  During his storied career, he was an 11-time All Star, won 7 Norris Trophies (Best Defenseman) and 4 Stanley Cups.  He will no doubt be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer and he will be missed, not only by the Detroit Red Wings, but by the NHL and hardcore hockey fans everywhere.

TONIGHT: PUB TRIVIA returns to Third and Long with another fun-filled edition!  As always, it's free to play, with a $45 bar tab up for grabs to the winning team!  Great drink specials available ($20 Coors Light buckets and $4 Mixed Well Drinks for ladies, 7pm-11pm)!  Get here early and get ready for a full night of "Good, Pouring Fun"!




Cheers!

0-39...THE STREAK CONTINUES...

When we last left off, we were headed towards a climatic Game 6 showdown between the NY Rangers and the NJ Devils.  The Devils needed a win to clinch the series and move on to the Stanley Cup, while the Rangers desperately needed a win to stave off elimination and force a Game 7 back at Madison Square Garden.

There were plenty of storylines that hung over the impending game.  First there was "The Declaration of 1994", by Mark Messier, which led the NY Rangers to the Stanley Cup.  The fact that Game 6 was being played on the 18th Anniversary of "The Declaration" was also played up by the media and fans alike.  Lost among the hoopla, however, was one stat that was brought up at the beginning of the series, yet quickly swept under the rug:  Teams that won consecutive Game 7's in the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup were a combined 0-38 in the Conference Finals.  Unfortunately, this statistic would come back to haunt the NY Rangers as the NJ Devils took the fight to the Blueshirts yet again.  This time, however, the Rangers didn't have the luck of Mark Messier by their side as the Devils eliminated the Blueshirts in overtime, 3-2, to win the Eastern Conference title and a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.


Of course the win by NewJersey was awesome for Devil fans as they've felt like step-children throughout the whole series, enduring taunts and wisecracks from Ranger fans.  On the flipside, being eliminated from the Stanley Cup was a crushing blow for the Rangers fans.  With all of the top seeds already eliminated, this was supposed be smooth sailing to the Cup for the Rangers.  So when things didn't materialize as expected for the NY Rangers, this was a brutal slap in the face for the team and its fans.  And as a result, the streak remains intact.... and the NJ Devils get to host the Stanley Cup against the L.A. Kings beginning this Wednesday.

As for the NY Rangers, today was "Break-Up Day", where the players and coaches cleaned out their lockers and reflect on the season and what could have been.  While they won't get a chance to raise the Cup at Madison Square Garden this season, they have no reason to be ashamed of their efforts.  They had a great run and have a lot to look forward next season.

In the meantime, there's one last round of hockey to be played:  The Stanley Cup starts on Wednesday and we'd love to see the Cup raised here on the East Coast!  As always, we'll carry every game (w/audio)!   Good luck to the NJ Devils!


Cheers

WHAT'S ALL THIS HOOPLA OVER HOCKEY?

You may have noticed the marked increase in hockey related posts the past few weeks.  It's not because I am a diehard fan of the sport (though it would be understandable if you believed that it was);  It's because we've been blessed and thoroughly entertained by a great NHL playoff season, capped by great performances by two of the local teams, the NY Rangers and NJ Devils.  And with the NY Knicks playoff run being short (and not-so-sweet) and the NJ/Brooklyn Nets busy packing the moving trucks to the new arena, you can't help but to get sucked into the hoopla of the run to the Stanley Cup.

Now the stakes have been raised as the two local teams now face each other, with a berth to the Stanley Cup Finals up for grabs.  There's also the obvious bragging rights that comes along with it, with the not-so-subtle reminder of 1994 fresh in everyone's minds.

If last night's Game 1 proved anything, it proved that this series is going to be long and pressure packed with fans of both teams riding the roller-coaster of emotions throughout.

So, please forgive me if you find yourselves being a tad bit overloaded with hockey talk.  When you find your city on the cusp of possibly hoisting "The Cup", it's kind of a big deal.  And this is coming from a Habs fan.

The NY Rangers fired the first salvo in this particular series, winning 3-0 and taking a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.  Game 2 takes place on Wednesday night (8pm, w/audio).  While you're here, enjoy a visit from the NHL Network promo team , who will be at Third and Long!  During that time, you'll get to raise the virtual #StanleyCup  with @NHLNetworkTour !  

And be sure to watch #NHLNetwork (ch. 468, Time-Warner HD), because it's the best line-up for NHL Playoffs coverage.  And if you follow Twitter, make sure you hash-tag #Because it's the Cup!

You want more info on the Virtual #StanleyCup?  Check out the LINK!


TONIGHT:  Catch the Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers, followed by the L.A. Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs in NBA Playoff action;  You can also check out Game 2 of the NHL Western Conference Finals (Phoenix vs Los Angeles, 9pm)!  While you're here, enjoy select craft beers like the Left Hand 400-lb Monkey, Brooklyn Summer Ale, Long Trail IPA, Harpoon Summer Ale and Goose Island Honkers Ale during "CRAFT BREW TUESDAYS"!

RANGERS WIN EPIC GAME 7 (again)!

Well, the NY Rangers did it again.  With their backs against the wall and the weight of the city on their shoulders, the Blueshirts took the fight to the Washington Capitals early and did just enough to pull out a hard-fought 2-1 victory, winning the series 4-3, much to the delight to NY Rangers fans at MSG and a capacity crowd here at the bar.

Bartender Molly's playoff "stache"! 

I think that's Barry Melrose... 

Or maybe he's visiting from Hockey Falls? 

So now the NHL Conference Finals are set.  The Phoenix Coyotes faces off against L.A. Kings in the Western Conference finals, beginning Sunday May 13, while the NY Rangers face off against the NJ Devils in the Battle of the Hudson, starting this Monday night.  Both series should be great and you know we'll be carrying all of the action!  Look for some great viewing parties this week along with some surprises and guest visits!

Happy Mother's Day and we'll see you back here tomorrow night!