With the Mets down 3-1 in the series and Matt Harvey on the mound, I was reminded about the 2014 New York Rangers. 

For those that are not hockey fans, here’s a brief synopsis. In 2014, the Rangers fell behind the Penguins 3-1 after a frustrating home loss. To make matters worse, the Rangers never beat the Penguins in the playoffs, nor had they ever overcome a 3-1 series deficit. However, there was reason to hope because the Rangers had Henrik Lundqvist, the best goalie in hockey. 

Henrik put the Rangers on his back, and the Rangers did the unprecedented and unexpected. They overcame the 3-1 deficit. They did it even though the Penguins dominated them at home in Game 7. This gives me hope because a hockey goalie is like a starting pitcher. They have the singular ability to shut down an opposition’s offense. They have the ability to put a team on its back and say, “I got this.”

Lundqvist knows better than anyone what it takes. In fact, he and the Rangers did it again the next year.  When he says Harvey is prepared and focused, I believe it. When he’s pulling for Harvey, it gives be confidence it can be done. 

Look, we know Harvey is an unabashed Rangers fan. He watched what happened in 2014 and 2015. He knows how this works. He’s gotten to know the Rangers players, so he knows the necessary mindset. If anyone should be out there to set the tone and start the comeback, it’s him. 

Sure, the Mets have never overcome a 3-1 deficit. Last time it happened, it was in the World Series, and the Mets lost at home in Game 5. However, that was a different team with different players. The Rangers have showed that. It can and will be done. We all now that. 

Best of all, Harvey knows it too.