Interview With Adam Graves of the New York Rangers Adam Graves took 31 shots against Martin Brodeur in the 1994 Eastern Conference finals against the Devils, and only two got through for goals. That degree of difficulty helps to inform Graves's frame of reference on the trans-Hudson rivalry, then and now. Q. You are one of only a handful of Rangers whose numbers hang from the rafters at Madison Square Garden, but that "94 series against the Devils was tough sledding for you and for everyone involved. A. Any time you're playing against a team as strong as the Devils were and continue to be, nothing is ever easy. That's why I say it is such a great rivalry, because I do believe that both organizations, both teams, bring out the best in each other. Anything that is worth attaining is always difficult, doesn't matter what you're doing. Q. The Rangers-Devils series electrified the metropolitan area back then. Does it feel similar today, 18 years later? A. The atmosphere around the Garden and the tristate area, even how the casual fan is in tune with the series and the excitement surrounding what happens on the ice - you feel it everywhere you go. You really do realize how the city is getting captivated when you walk around it, and even outside the city. You see a lot more Ranger blue on people with each passing game. Q. You're very close to Mark Messier. His hat trick when the Rangers faced elimination but won in Game 6 at the Meadowlands - what was that like to witness? A. I have a bit different perspective on that game, because I was spoiled. I saw Mark put on a similar performance in 1990, when we played together with the Oilers. We were in Chicago, down two games to one, at the old Chicago Stadium, and in Game 4 we won, 4-2. And he had two goals and two assists and literally dominated in every facet of the game. So for me, I had experience with a great teacher. The bigger the game, the better he played. So what he did in Game 6 at the Meadowlands didn't come as a surprise. That's why he's Mark Messier. Q. Were you on the ice when Stephane Matteau scored in the second overtime to win Game 7? A. I was watching from the bench. There was a bit of a delayed reaction. But I can say this: the same feeling that all 18,200 had in the building and anyone watching, any Ranger fan, was the same feeling we had on the bench. We all shared that feeling. Q. What happens when you run into former Devils from 1994? A. Without question, there is underlying respect. Someone I had to battle with on a nightly basis for every inch of ice was Kenny Daneyko. I have utmost respect for him and the way he played defense. People sometimes ask me who was the toughest opponent to play against, and more often than not I will say Ken Daneyko, trying to battle him for that ice in front of the net.