(Credit: Daniel Arnold )
New York Rangers
Obviously there isn’t a shortage of places to watch the Rangers play during the season, but tri-level megapub Stout—only steps from MSG—has quickly become a favorite among the faithful. The Ranger’s own Blue Shirt Beauties (cute female fans rocking Rangers gear) even showed up there for a playoff viewing party last April. It's got all the necessary components to make for an ideal sports-watching joint: 20 beers on tap (and about a hundred more in bottles), a better-than-good burger and a bunch of suspended screens broadcasting the game. It’s also a big shirt-and-tie-wearin’ happy-hour spot, however, so you might want to wait for them to clear out before you get down to business. (133 W. 33rd St. between Sixth and Seventh Aves., 212-629-6191)
Not down with Stout? You can find other Ranger fans at some these top designated Blueshirt locations:
Bar None (98 Third Ave. at 13th St., 212-777-6663)
Bounce Deuce (103 Second Ave. at Sixth St., 212-533-6700)
The Big Easy (1768 Second Ave. between 92nd and 93rd Sts., 212-348-0879)
200 Fifth (200 Fifth Ave. between Sackett and Union Sts., Park Slope, 718-638-2925)
New York Islanders
There are tons of Islanders fans on Long Island. In Manhattan...not so much. In fact, if you ask a bartender to switch on the Islanders game you might find yourself tossed (or laughed) out of the bar. This is precisely what makes Jack Russell’s Pub an ideal choice for fans of less-than-popular teams—each booth has its own TV screen, so folks can watch whatever game they choose, without any risked humiliation. (1591 Second Ave. between 82nd and 83rd Sts., 212-472-2800)
New Jersey Devils
It's no easy feat to find Devils fans these days, even in Jersey (they barely can sell out playoff games), but come game time, Times Square fiasco ESPN Zone fills up with fans of the forlorn team, where Devils games are shown at least once a week. Needless to say, this place is a sports Mecca—the TV screens in the bathroom stalls are bigger here than they are at most bars. Although, now that the team has moved to Newark, we're probably going to see a lot more fans catching games from the comfort of several bar stools around the city. (1472 Broadway at 42nd St., 212-921-3776)
Buffalo Sabres
For those that might have forgotten, Buffalo is in New York, and Kelly’s Sports Bar is the new designated meeting place for those that have forsaken the cold and remote for the big city—even the bar's Web site shouts out the team. With two 42-inch digital flat screens, a projection screen and three standard screens, you'll have no problem viewing the game, and both the generous late-night and weekend happy hour will keep you on your stool. Kelly’s doesn’t serve food, but they encourage you to bring your own or order from nearby Atomic Wings, where you'll score 10 percent off. (12 Avenue A, between Houston and Second St.)
Expect to find tons of the Sabre faithful every game night at Tex-Mex joint Blue Moon Mexican Café, which actually serves as a major spot for fans of all Buffalo teams (it's packed during Bills games). On Sundays, the scene gets so lively, it's almost on par with watching the games in person. Almost. (1444 First Ave. at 75th St., 212-288-9811)
And finally...the best place to catch a potential (live) hockey brawl
The Molly Wee Pub
What would an article about hockey be without at least one mention of some potential ass-kicking? Located just one block south of Madison Square Garden, this small, authentic Irish pub is where the city's most “enthusiastic” hockey fans gather. Considering the bar's proximity to the Garden, it's obvious that Rangers fans reign, but Capitals fans have made this place their official home. That's a potent recipe for nothin' but trouble, especially when the beer flows as freely as it does here. (402 Eighth Ave. at 30th St., 212-967-2627)
