Bob Ryan Unimpressed Says: RBC Center is "Overrated"

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm makin' a new thread for this one. puck_it, you can make it a sticky, lol.

A co-worker (fringe hockey fan, mostly a b-ball guy) who was incredulous because he was at Game 6/NJ and thought it was 'deafening' and at last night's game and was so impressed- his ping on instant messaging was "who the frick (he used the curse word, lol) is Bob Ryan??? ":lol:

The RBC Center is Overrated (http://www.850thebuzz.com/blog/?p=9545)

Caniacs- this is your rallying cry. I KNOW the building is going to be outta control on Friday. A chance to take a strangle hold.

Let's pop Bob Ryan in the mouth. ;)

[SC06]

I believe he has just challenged us....bad move!

[SoCalcaniac]

If you listen to the audio he is clearly pissed he has to be here and not in Bahston watching the Celtics he even said "I was already in NC, and they made me stay to cover this- I'd rather be in Boston obviously...." . and then he says our building is no louder than "Detroit and the others" - Detroit? no atmosphere whatsoever. He's a fool and a tool.

[livinthedream]

Who the frick (SoCal's word) is Bob Ryan? A loud-mouth, pompous, bloviating blowhard who I'm very surprised to hear left the rarified air of Boston to travel here.

Plus he probably has old batteries in his hearing aid.

[nccanes]

He sounded like a grumpy old man that was pissed he was "stuck" with hockey rather than the Celtics. :lol:

I have no doubt that the Friday crowd will exceed last night's.

(But I do agree that when it gets down to 8 team left vying for the Cxp, every crowd should be into every game and they are all likely loud venues).

This is my favorite crowd related quote. :lol: And it's true.

"The fans can cheer," shrugs Thomas. "It's not like they're throwing knives."

The "thing" that I think people are missing, is that it's not so much what the crowd does to the opposing team, it's what it does for our team. For whatever reason, and Engblom "got it", is that it helps our guys....end of story.

[caveman]

RY-Anne... RY-Anne... RY-Anne... YOU SUCK.

[c-girl]

Oh he's just pissed off because he hasn't been able to purchase new frames for his glasses since 1979.

:lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

E, I couldn't agree more- it's about our guys. Not the whole we're being rowdy thing. Engblom did hit it on the head. I also heard one of the XM guys say something like that- and it's SO true.

SHC will totally appreciate the TT quote- I sure do cause I can "hear" him say it, in his charmingly awkward way. :lol:

The fans can cheer," shrugs Thomas. "It's not like they're throwing knives."

Honestly, for as much distaste that I have for #33 on the Bruins, I really do enjoy that team- I'm a huge Marc Savard fan, and I enjoy Lucic, Kessel and Wheeler. I was a Ference fan when he played for CGY cause I like his style, who he is and all that. If it were ANY other series, any other time, I'd be rootin' for them like I did when they were playing the Habs last round. But they're playing my team now, and it's on. They're the enemy and that's how it rolls. ;)

[livinthedream]

^^ LMAO :lol:

1979 - about the same time he started wearing that hairstyle.

[StormChaserBH]

The "thing" that I think people are missing, is that it's not so much what the crowd does to the opposing team, it's what it does for our team. For whatever reason, and Engblom "got it", is that it helps our guys....end of story.

+100 !!

(But I actually wish all the talking heads would give it a rest a little on the topic, good or bad.)

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

I remember back when we played Boston in the playoffs in 1999 in Greensboro Byron Dafoe said it was the loudest crowd he had heard, and this was back when they limited seating in the Coliseum to 11K.

[nccanes]

+100 !!

(But I actually wish all the talking heads would give it a rest a little on the topic, good or bad.)


Totally agree.

[caneshockeychick]

SQUISH'EM!!!!!!!!!!!

[caveman]

Meh. The times we give up an ugly goal, or go down 2 goals, we get on our feet and try to get the team to wake up. I guess Boston fans are ready to hit up the Celtics and Patriots and Sox games and are ready to boo the team off the ice...

Bob "I'd rather be in Boston, watching the Celtics" Ryan... whatever...

http://lollernet.com/pics/gif/roflcopter.gif

Anyway he said we were plenty loud, and I agree we're all a little sensitive to this stuff -- eventually you get tired of the Northeast and Canada teams bashing you, despite 2 trips (and a win) to the SCFs. And as E mentioned in the game thread, there was a bit of a lull there in the RBCC last night. What ev, the important thing is for the team we're cheering to win the series, that's the ultimate (and only) rebuttal.

[nccanes]

The Bruins are getting focused....no media availability for their players, just Julien.

Boston will not skate on Thursday and the players will not be made available. Coach Claude Julien will meet with the media Thursday morning at the team hotel and I will be there to get the details.

Carolina, meanwhile, also will not skate. They will have a team availability at 11:30 at the RBC Center. NHL.com correspondent John Manasso will have all the details from that session.

[Caniac]

That guy is what we like to call a "douchenozzle".

He can choke on some baked beans and die.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Jussi is on XM and talking about how he loves the organization, the team, how great his teammates are, how great and supportive the fans are, etc.

He also made a comment that the fans are so great and hopes we can continue to keep it up.

So, let's do it for Jussi! :D

Woooooooooooooooooooo!

[KaniacFever]

What a tool.


Its not more of 'we are louder than any arena' but I think our team feeds off the noise more than any other team. I'm sorry, but I know Sammy's goal came off of Wheeler loosing an edge, but I do think the crowd also played a part in that 2 goals in 69 seconds. Not to mention the standing O the team got when they pressured the Bruins and ended up drawing the penalty which lead to Staal's goal.

[CC]

That guy is what we like to call a "douchenozzle".

He can choke on some baked beans and die.

I prefer Maaswhole. oops I'm sorry did I type that out loud?

[Radioactive]

On the way home after the game last night, we were talking about not only how loud the crowd can get, but when we get loud. I love it that we rally and cheer loud at the face-off after an opposing team's goal... times that usually silence crowds. I know if I were on the ice, that would fire me up! I think the crowd does a good job at sensing when the boys need a push, and react accordingly.



I prefer Maaswhole. oops I'm sorry did I type that out loud?

I love that term... I first heard it from a good friend who lives in Maine... Perfect description

[Alicia]

Who the frick is Bob Ryan, indeed.

[aldamon]

The crowd was disappointing in the first period. Some people in our section actually stayed seated for the team's entrance. Couldn't get them to cheer at first either. I blame it on a NJ-series hangover and/or the horrible intro sequence. 2nd and 3rd periods were money. Everyone woke up.

[Jay]

Who the frick is Bob Ryan, indeed.

He's the writer who always loses when he's on Around the Horn :-D

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

Who the frick is Bob Ryan, indeed.

He's the guy who said if he was married to Jason Kidd's wife he'd want to smack her around too.

[Flanman]

Ah... bulletin board material... I love it.

I am going into full sign making mode tonight.

I'm thinking "Juwanna Kidd thinks our building is so loud that some one should smack Bob Ryan."

"Attn Bob Ryan - Please replace your hearing aids"

Helen Keller > Bob Ryan

[apolinar]

Hockey gods like loud. They don't like hot air coming out of people's mouths. the fact he's pissed and would rather do the celtics shows his bosses think he's better off in Carolina than near the Boston fans. Fwaaaa fwaaaaa.

[StormShaman]

^^ LMAO :lol:

1979 - about the same time he started wearing that hairstyle.

LOL, that picture was of Charles Nelson Reilly from his days as a celeb guest on "Match Game P.M."!

[livinthedream]

I know. :lol: I know who Bob Ryan is, I'm a regular watcher of the Sports Reporters and Around the Horn.

And in general I don't have an issue with him, and his article about us in today's Boston Globe was actually rather fair IMO. I was shocked. SHOCKED.

That all being said, his own hairstyle really is from 1979.

And the original Match Game was awesome. And it's kind of scary but I actually remember Charles Nelson Reilly from "The Ghost & Mrs. Muir."

[nccanes]

And the original Match Game was awesome. And it's kind of scary but I actually remember Charles Nelson Reilly from "The Ghost & Mrs. Muir."

:lol: That's my girl.


So, back to Ryan....pretty sure he must hate this assignment (http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/bob_ryan_blog/2009/05/travel_advisory.html). :lol:

[c-girl]

I know. :lol: I know who Bob Ryan is, I'm a regular watcher of the Sports Reporters and Around the Horn.

And in general I don't have an issue with him, and his article about us in today's Boston Globe was actually rather fair IMO. I was shocked. SHOCKED.

That all being said, his own hairstyle really is from 1979.

And the original Match Game was awesome. And it's kind of scary but I actually remember Charles Nelson Reilly from "The Ghost & Mrs. Muir."

Since LTD was responding to my joke, let me say that yes I actually remember Charles Nelson Reilly from "The Ghost & Mrs. Muir", too.

Jokes about the glasses and the hair were just that - jokes. :crazy:

[nccanes]

c-girl, i knew you were joking too! :D

[SoCalcaniac]

Poor Bob Ryan. He's in H-E-L-L!:lol:


and he really is gonna make sure everyone knows how much he's hating this series, this assignment and the bally-hoo about the RBC Center; and he surely couldn't resist yapping about the Celtics and of course everything is "lucky" for us:

Twists of fate sway Carolina's way (http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2009/05/08/twists_of_fate_are_swaying_carolinas_way/?page=2)


this bit is real good:


Now let's take a quick timeout. One thing that has nothing to do with the way this series will go is the crowd at the RBC Center. After reading and hearing about it, I say, now that I have experienced it, "What's the big deal?" It's a routine home crowd; nothing more, nothing less. I must say I'm a little surprised that management orchestrates an anti-referee chant. That's a bit out of line.

Oooh- as I type this, CL just had her email read on Hockey this Morning! :thumbsup:

[kermelbar]

I must say I'm a little surprised that management orchestrates an anti-referee chant. That's a bit out of line.

:eek: OMG, could this guy pass an IQ test? Has he ever actually attended a sporting event in his life? Because 1) I'm quite certain that the RBCC is not the only place the "Ref, you suck" chant happens because 2) it's not orchestrated by management, it's orchestrated by fans in response to crappy reffing!

ETA: As for the atmosphere ... Well, I've only been to one Pens game and that was circa '96 and I was sick as a dog that day, so I can't really speak about how we compare to other arenas. HOWEVER, I think former players -- especially those who, oh, now play for the Boston Bruins -- are in a position to accurately report such matters.

[nccanes]

I'm starting to think that Ryan hasn't been to many hockey games recently.

Did he not notice that Philly fans chant "Crosby Sucks" to every single ditty on the organ?

I just think it's hilarious that Bob Ryan is the one that's the authority on what home ice advantage is comprised of. I think it was the NHLN that said we're something like 13 wins at home out of the last 16. I think the Canes like playing at home.

[nccanes]

:eek: OMG, could this guy pass an IQ test? Has he ever actually attended a sporting event in his life? Because 1) I'm quite certain that the RBCC is not the only place the "Ref, you suck" chant happens because 2) it's not orchestrated by management, it's orchestrated by fans in response to crappy reffing!

To be fair, they often have Larry the organist do the "Lets Go Canes" chords on the organ after a controversial call, while they have the "LETS GO CANES" on the JT....it just happens that the same 3 syllables work for "REF YOU SUCK" too.

But I agree - he must not go to many hockey games.

[SoCalcaniac]

You know what is just so completely funny about Bob Ryan? it's clear that he is absolute agony- so much so that you would think he was dispatched to Siberia, but nah, it's "just Raleigh" and every minute of his agony because he's here, just spews out into his columns. :lol: Someone at the Globe is punishing him, and its hilarious to me.

and his thing about "management" orchestrating the anti ref chant? Dude clearly doesn't get to many events. This is not something new.

[c-girl]

Apparently he is a johnny-come-lately to the hockey season. Or an idiot, take your pick. One of the comments to his article from a Bruins fan:

Bob, forgive me but it irritates me that you can come in at the end of the Bruins' magical season and be critical of them.

As a fan who followed this team faithfully over the past few seasons, I am still amazed at what this young team has accomplished this year. We forget that the year before last they were laboring hopelessly under the pathetic direction of Dave Lewis.

These are young guys playing against a seasoned team who won the Cup three years ago. Come on -- be fair! Perhaps the skill, experience and confidence of the Canes are making the B's look less lackluster...

Thanks, B's for an unbelievable season -- whatever happens from here is gravy.

[Canesluver]

Oooh- as I type this, CL just had her email read on Hockey this Morning! :thumbsup:

Ah....I missed it. I would have been walking into my building about that time.

I give full credit to NCC for the content, though... she put the idea in my head. :D

[caneshockeychick]

you need to post the email!!! some of us can't get XM here at work...rules you know :sick:

[Canesluver]

It wasn't all that, really. Just a reply to what Shawn Lavigne, the producer, had said yesterday morning.

They'd been talking a lot of the potential moving of the Coyotes, of course, and Shawn was quick to separate our team from any discussion about struggling teams in fringe markets.

This is all I said:


In your discussion about moving the Coyotes..... Props to you for recognizing that the Carolina Hurricanes have found a viable market, and have built a rabid fan base. Sure-- it's taken time, but I give lots of credit to Jim Rutherford for continuing, for the most part, to build winning teams. Yes--winning helps. The Hurricanes just finished their 11th season in North Carolina, and have made the play-offs for the 5th time now. THAT is what, to anyone who's paying attention, separates us from being lumped into the expression "hockey doesn't belong in the South."

Our building is rocking right now with educated fans, dedicated to their team. And, we're being treated to some excellent games.

[nccanes]

I'm annoyed I missed it too! but good job CL!

I sent an email to Mr. Ryan. (and thanks to c-girl for posting that Engblom quote that I included)

Hi Mr. Ryan,

I respect your comments about the RBC center and its atmosphere.

I'm not sure exactly why it's gotten so much attention lately, because
I agree with those that say the arenas of the 8 remaining teams should
all be pretty loud. It was Bruins players, Ward and Recchi, both who
have played for the Canes that made the comments that got such
traction. It was also Kevin Weekes on the NHL Network that talked
about playing here can be special.

My opinion is this, that's it's not so much what the RBC crowd does to
the opponent, but how the home team responds to the home crowd.
Perhaps that's why former players, Recchi, Ward, and Weekes can speak
to that.

The Hurricanes are something like 15-2 in their last 17 games at home.
Perhaps there's something to this after all.

I think Brian Engblom "got it" when he said: "No team in the NHL
feeds off their fans like the Carolina Hurricanes." - Brian Engblom,
Hockey Central, May 4, 2009

[caneshockeychick]

Nice!! :)

both of you :D

[Canesluver]

Oooooh! Nice, NCC!! :thumbsup:


What does this Bob Ryan dude look like, anyway? Maybe he needs a special CL "welcome!" :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

Excellent email E !

and CL, he looks like something straight out of the 70's side part, plaid jacket and all. :lol: He's so cranky I don't know how he'd receive your special welcome, heehee.

[Jay]

Oooooh! Nice, NCC!! :thumbsup:


What does this Bob Ryan dude look like, anyway? Maybe he needs a special CL "welcome!" :lol:

I was looking for a pic to post, and I found this, very fitting one, on the first page of google images results:

http://lowposts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/bob_ryan.jpg

[MIKELIUT]

Ryan and the Bruins

OVERRRRR RRRRATED

[caveman]

Wow... if (and only if) by some incomprehensible miracle we're up by 10 (maybe 20) goals or so with a minute to go, I'd be completely up for an "OVER-RATED" chant...

[caniac369]

I only saw the thread title and it pissed me off and I admit I didn't read the statement/article. We ARE crazy, we ARE dedicated, we ARE loud and we are the best fans in the NHL and we know how to go in that building and give our guys the encouragement to keep this train going.

Because, as you know, IT'S STAAL GOOD!! :D

[ncsu1]

Perhaps, someone, or I, should email Soto and tell him to throw some of these quotes into an intro before the game starts, or as part of the message on the intro before the lights come up (don't know what it is called, but I LOVE IT when the do it, the timing of the lights coming up with the Bodies song ignites something in the arena.) and maybe it gets the crowd more fired up :D

[SoCalcaniac]

ncsu1 - that's a great suggestion- I say you go for it!

[Solracer]

Nah then he will just think were being loud for his benefit.

[StormChaserBH]

Nah then he will just think were being loud for his benefit.

^exactly. Let's just do our thing. We know what to do, why we do it, and what it does for our guys. Who cares what Blob Whinin' thinks?

[nccanes]

First off -- f*ck you Bob Ryan -- because it had to be said. :lol:

But it looks like the folks in 328 (presumably) gave Ryan his own chant! (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/decock/ryan-serenade-adds-to-atmosphere) :lol: Well done!

[livinthedream]

:lol: LMAO

Forslund apparently went off on him during tonight's broadcast. At least he said he did, in the post-game, when he went off on him again. :lol:

[Miracle80]

This was a discussion on "NHL on the Fly" the other day, Shady 80(Kevin Weekes) was in the studio and attested to how great you fans are and how loud your buliding is, said what a great place it was to play in, and seeing y'all tailgating on their way into the game fires them up, etc, etc. The hosts couldn't disagree with him.
I've been there (Game 2 cup winning year) and it is amazing!!! Canes fans rock!!!

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

:lol: That's my girl.


So, back to Ryan....pretty sure he must hate this assignment (http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/bob_ryan_blog/2009/05/travel_advisory.html). :lol:

Someone should tell Bobbo that it's been "Blackhawks" for over 20 years, as opposed to "Black Hawks".

It might really have been a long time since he's had to cover hockey.

[VandyCane]

First off -- f*ck you Bob Ryan -- because it had to be said. :lol:

But it looks like the folks in 328 (presumably) gave Ryan his own chant! (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/decock/ryan-serenade-adds-to-atmosphere) :lol: Well done!

That's great. We could hear it on TV. At first we thought they were chanting "Cha-ra", but now that you say it, it was definitely Ryan. That's awesome. :lol:

[Lainienc]

Bob Ryan - whose your daddy now?!