The New York Rangers spent yesterday touring firehouses hit hard by 9/11 to thank members of the FDNY for their service — and ended up in a face-off with an Islander super fan.
Most of Ladder Co. 3 — which lost 12 members on 9/11 — was thrilled to see hockey stars like Sean Avery and Henrik Lundqvist stroll into their East Village firehouse.
And then there was Michael Stapleton.
The 14-year department vet commemorated the Rangers’ visit by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the team’s Long Island arch rival.
His unusual clothing choice earned wisecracks from his colleagues, but he insisted he appreciated the visit.
“It’s great they came and showed their respect,” he said.
The athletes also visited with Wounded Warriors — US soldiers hurt in the line of duty — and children who lost loved ones on 9/11.