Here comes another Parise, 31 years later, intent on wrecking the Rangers, just like Dad.
“I hope it’s in the genes,” Devils rookie Zach Parise said on the eve of his playoff debut today at the Meadowlands in the fourth Battle of the Hudson.
His father, J.P. Parise, scored what was surely the most devastating goal the Rangers have allowed in 56 years (since Pete Babando in the 1950 Stanley Cup Finals), connecting 11 seconds into overtime in the deciding Game 3 of the 1975 first round.
That goal launched the Islanders into respectability, and finally, dynasty, and doomed the Rangers’ dynasty that never won. In short order, Jean Ratelle and Brad Park were gone, followed by Emile Francis, Eddie Giacomin and Vic Hadfield, and 25 years turned into 54.
“I hope I can carry on with the same luck he had against them,” Zach Parise said.
“People tell me, ‘I was watching the game when your dad kicked out the Rangers.’ It shows how passionate people are about hockey here.
“It’s going to be fun. It’s a great series to get my feet wet in. I’m getting real nervous for the playoffs, and I don’t, usually.”
Zach Parise said he still never has seen that goal of his dad’s, but said Flyers GM Bobby Clarke may be sending him a DVD of it.
Parise is in the right spot to make Rangers fans wince, playing left wing on the top-scoring line with Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. He finished his rookie season 14-18-32, improving as the season closed. Now, he’s on a larger stage.
“I don’t feel any added pressure,” he said. “If we just keep playing the way we have, we’ll be fine.”
His name alone will cause still-fatalistic Rangers fans to fret. A goal or two would haunt them.
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Colin White skated before the Devils practiced yesterday, pronouncing himself 50-50 to play today, hampered by a groin injury that kept him out of the season finale.
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Patrik Elias, the Devils’ all-time playoff point scorer with 78, would not bite when asked if the Czech-laded Rangers would be an attractive team to him when he is an unrestricted free agent. “No comment,” said the upcoming unrestricted. Of the Rangers’ slicker style, he also was diplomatic. “I’ve been pretty successful in my career here, so I can’t complain,” he said.
