There is something about some New York sports fans that I find both interesting and frustrating.  There is often this winner take all attitude that as a fan/coach/parent/kid(inside) can strike a raw nerve.  This idea that nothing short of a championship is acceptable.  Some even find it an admirable trait.

It strikes again with the New York Rangers playoff run that has captured the attention of the area and the entire sports world.

They were a team that had gotten good over the past couple years,but still weren't viewed as a real threat to win the cup. They had a new coach and a new system which took a while to catch on even within their own ranks.  When the playoffs hit, they really caught fire.  Series by series they grew,even coming from behind 3 games to 1 to upset the top seed in the conference the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Getting alll the way to the finals, they finally met their match in the incredible Los Angeles Kings.  That's where it gets frustrating.  You hear a lot of people and even fans frustrated and angry about the team losing (thus far 3-0) in the Stanley Cup finals.  Claims that "we stink", "we're heartless", "they're choking", not only are ridiculous, but detract a little from the enjoyment of the playoff run that has been so exciting.

The truth is, even though they are down 3-0, they are still playing at a higher level than they have played at any point this season.  They lost the first two games in OT and outshot the Kings badly in the 3rd game.  King Henrik has been good in goal,but the Kings goalie Jonathan Quick has been from another planet.  Without him, it's easily possible the Rangers could be up 3 games to none.  The goalie really is that important in the game if hockey (as a goalie myself, I could be biased on that one).  The Kings won the cup a couple of years ago and are a great experienced team that is stacked with size and talent.

What is it with some fans that they can't just enjoy and recognize such a great accomplishment and look to take the next step next season?  Is it an American thing? A New York thing?