Happy Birthday, Howie!

Howie Rose has made a myriad of iconic calls during his illustrious broadcasting career. On his 66th birthday today, here are my two favorites:

The first came during the Rangers drive to their 1994 Stanley Cup when Stéphane Matteau scored the game winner in the double overtime victory over the Devils in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I can still hear Howie’s words, “Matteau! Matteau!” It’s a call that will live forever.

The other came on September 21, 2001 — the first game back after the 9/11 attacks. Howie was at the mic when Mike Piazza blasted his dramatic two-run homer which helped unite a city. “I — I think this has a chance!”

I still get chills every time I go back and listen to that.