Bruins-Rangers Brings Back Childhood Memories For Joe Sacco

BOSTON — Joe Sacco has a unique view of the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers’ rivalry.

Sacco has been watching the two clubs face one another for upwards of six decades, always rooting for the guys in Black and Gold — which is about what you would expect from someone who grew up in Medford, Mass.

It’ll be a bit different on Saturday, though.

The B’s named the 55-year-old interim head coach on Nov. 19, with Saturday’s matinee matchup presenting his first opportunity to experience the rivalry in his new role at home.

“The Bruins and Rangers games were always — there was always something more special,” Sacco said on Saturday. “It’s almost like there was more feel to it. Everybody always talks about the game at Madison Square Garden, with the shoe and all of that. I do remember that vividly. I remember coming to the old Boston Garden as a kid and catching all of the Original Six games — the Rangers being one of (the opponents). The energy in the building was always fantastic.”

Sacco expects more of the same Saturday, calling on his home fans to bring energy to a pair of teams in transition.

“I expect the same thing here today,” Sacco said. “I expect good energy. I hope our players can feed off of that, as well.

The Bruins and Rangers will drop the puck from TD Garden at 3:50 p.m. ET, with full coverage coming on ABC.