Stephane Matteau talks legendary 1994 Rangers goal 30 years later

That moment really happened in an instant. It unfolded within seconds.

But it had many life-changing consequences and a memory forever seared into the soul of New York sports.

There was so much involved in just a few seconds that it became one of the most iconic events in New York sports history.

At the center of it all was one of the most unlikely people, but that only added to the legend.

The incident “Mato! Mato! Mato!” happened 30 years ago this month.

30 years since Stephane Matteau scored the greatest walk-off goal in Rangers history — Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Devils in double overtime, sending the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final and defeating Vancouver in seven games. is what happened.

It’s been 30 years since the Rangers last won the Stanley Cup, ending a 54-year drought.

Thirty years later, that 1994 team brings back memories and comparisons to this year’s Rangers.

Howie Rhodes, one of the most treasured New York broadcast voices of this generation, was on a radio call the night of May 27, 1994. Matteau was in the pack.

Considering the roster of stars and goal scorers on the Rangers’ roster, Matteau was something of an accidental tourist at that moment. He had four goals in 12 regular season games as a Ranger after being acquired from the Blackhawks midseason.

Matteau fought off Scott Niedermayer’s hook in the back of the net and beat Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur with a wraparound shot 4:24 into the second overtime period to send the Rangers to the Cup final.

Since then, he has become a legend in New York sports.

And as the Rangers do a tremendous job of bringing back alumni, Matteau has long been a fixture within the Garden as a team ambassador.

“Being in the garden feels like home,” Matteau told The Post on Tuesday. “I feel safe. I feel loved. I feel appreciated. And I feel alive when I get there.”

Mateau, a 54-year-old native of Quebec, said that every time he returns to New York, “the people remind me of the moment. Every time I’m here they keep the moment alive. So I try to keep that moment alive every day.” I live in the moment,” he said.

Mattou also gives back the moment he receives praise. He runs a foundation and program called “Make Your Moment” that focuses on helping young people develop character and establish a healthier sense of well-being. We help people who are bullied, suffer from depression or anxiety, or don’t fit in with their peers.

Matteau calls this “a personal thing” for him. Because he has dealt with all these issues as a young man and as an adult.

“I’ve struggled with anxiety attacks, depression, ups and downs, and not fitting in,” he said. “There are so many children and people suffering behind the smiles.”

Matteau will hold an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of that iconic cause on May 23rd, with funds raised from that night going to his foundation and Bladder Cancer Foundation in honor of Rose’s recent battle with cancer. It was donated to the Department of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital for research.

Rose, along with former Rangers Mike Richter and Adam Graves, will be able to participate in the event, which can be accessed at mattaufoundation.org.

Along with Rose, the players will talk about that historic night, including the moment Valeri Zerebkin’s goal with 7.7 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 1-1, sending the game into overtime.

“Everything was in slow motion,” Matteau said of the goal. “I remember when the puck slipped in the corner, I jumped Niedermayer really well and when it went to the back of the net, he hooked me. He was the reason I got the score. I think because he hooked me and my body was kind of facing the front of the net.

“I just wanted to put it in front of the net, and when the puck went in, I never thought about my success or my fame or anything like that. All I thought was, ‘I’m going to the Stanley Cup Finals. That’s all I said. ”

Matteau believes this Rangers team can go the same way as the 1994 team.

As for the Rangers, there are a lot of external comparisons between 1994 and this year for the Rangers, including the fact that the Knicks are also in danger of making the NBA playoffs, and the fact that there was an earthquake and solar eclipse in both 1994 and this year. It’s here.

Matteau said of the Rangers, “I don’t believe in earthquakes or eclipses. I just believe in the team.” “They have a great chance to win the Stanley Cup. They shouldn’t be afraid to say the word ‘Stanley Cup.’ This is not a reconstruction. ”

Matteau pointed out that current Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is on the same level as Richter was at the time. He said he sees defenseman Adam Fox playing like Sergei Zubov and Brian Leitch from the ’94 team. He likened Jacob Trouba to Jeff Bukeboom, Chris Kreider to Graves, and Mika Zibanejad to the more accomplished Glenn Anderson.

“This Rangers team is the best I’ve seen in 10 to 15 years,” Matteau said.

What does Matteau think his life would have been like if he hadn’t scored that goal in 1994?

“You never know,” Matteau said. “I think I could have had a quiet life in Montreal. Maybe I could come to New York every once in a while. But I’m very grateful to have scored that goal. The fact that I’m back in the Garden makes me happy. I’m really happy. I’m back in New York, where so many people appreciate what I did for the team. I’m so happy to be able to share that moment with the fans. .

“How can I put it into words? It’s a blessing. It keeps me young because people are so respectful. When I walk around the garden, I hear people yelling my name three times and shouting at me. That’s what it was like to look at him and point to him and say to his grandchildren, “He was one of the reasons we won the Cup in ’94.” . ” ”