Mark Messier short for the New York Post

CAPTAIN TAKES ICE FOR NBC

Mark Messier stood on the ice at The Rink at Rockefeller Plaza, basking in an outpouring of emotion from Rangers' fans. Wait, Rockefeller Plaza?

Yesterday, Messier was part of NBC's first regular-season NHL broadcast in 31 years, serving as a guest analyst. Thursday celebration, though, was still fresh in his mind.

"It was a pretty amazing night," Messier said, while noting the Rangers threw a party for him and his family at the Rainbow Room following the Rangers' 5-4 OT win over Edmonton.

"No one can throw a party, throw a celebration like the New York Rangers can," the Captain said. "[It was] completely first class."

Messier became a part of the New York sporting landscape lore when he guaranteed a Game 6 victory over the Devils. Could he guarantee a Cup for the 2005-06 Rangers?

"We'll reserve all the guarantees for another day," he said with a smile.

Denis Gorman

http://www.nypost.com/sports/rangers/61558.htm