50 Facts About NY Rangers

The Birth of a Legendary Team

The New York Rangers have a storied history that began nearly a century ago. Let's dive into the origins and early years of this iconic franchise.

1. Founding: The New York Rangers were founded on December 16, 1925, by Tex Rickard, who was instrumental in bringing professional hockey to New York City.
2. Name Origin: The team was nicknamed "Tex's Rangers" by the New York press, a play on the phrase "Texas Rangers".
3. Home Arena: The Rangers have played their home games at Madison Square Garden since 1926, with the current arena opening in 1968.
4. Original Six: The Rangers are one of the Original Six teams in the NHL, along with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Early Triumphs and Challenges

The Rangers quickly made their mark in the NHL, achieving significant success in their early years.

5. Stanley Cup Wins: The Rangers have won the Stanley Cup four times: in 1928, 1933, 1940, and 1994.
6. Early Success: The Rangers won their first Stanley Cup in just their second season under the guidance of Lester Patrick, making them the first U.S.-based team to do so.
7. Legendary Coaches: Lester Patrick was not only a coach but also a player and general manager for the Rangers. He is credited with establishing the team's early success and innovative tactics.
8. Hall of Fame Players: The early Rangers teams featured future Hall of Famers like Frank Boucher, Murray Murdoch, and the Cook brothers (Bun and Bill).
9. The A Line: The trio of Frank Boucher, Bill Cook, and Fred "Bun" Cook was nicknamed "The A Line" and was a key part of the team's early success.
10. Stanley Cup Champions 1933: The Rangers won their second Stanley Cup in 1933, solidifying their place as a dominant force in the NHL.
11. Stanley Cup Champions 1940: The Rangers won their third Stanley Cup in 1940, led by Hall of Famers Neil Colville and Bryan Hextall.

Post-War Struggles and Resurgence

After World War II, the Rangers faced tough times but eventually found their way back to prominence.

12. Post-War Struggles: The team struggled between the 1940s and 1960s, missing the playoffs frequently and often finishing last in the league.
13. Original Six Era: During the Original Six era, the Rangers were part of a six-team league that included the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks.
14. Renaissance in the 1960s: Under the leadership of Head Coach and General Manager Emile Francis, the Rangers experienced a resurgence in the late 1960s, making the playoffs nine consecutive seasons.
15. Rod Gilbert: Rod Gilbert was a key player during this period, eclipsing Bathgate’s all-time franchise records for goals and points.
16. Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield: The duo of Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield formed a potent offense, helping the Rangers become a perennial powerhouse.
17. Ed Giacomin and Brad Park: The Rangers were bolstered by future Hall of Famers Ed Giacomin and Brad Park, who formed the backbone of the defense.
18. 1972 Stanley Cup Finals: The Rangers made the Stanley Cup finals in 1972 but lost to the Boston Bruins in six games.
19. 1979 Stanley Cup Finals: The Rangers again reached the finals in 1979 but lost to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.

The Messier Era and the 1994 Stanley Cup

The arrival of Mark Messier marked a new chapter in Rangers history, culminating in a long-awaited championship.

20. Mark Messier Trade: In 1991, the Rangers acquired Mark Messier from the Edmonton Oilers, a move that significantly impacted the team's success in the 1990s.
21. 1994 Stanley Cup Win: Led by Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, and Mike Richter, the Rangers won their fourth Stanley Cup in 1994, ending a 54-year drought.

Post-1994 and Recent Success

The years following the 1994 championship saw ups and downs, but the Rangers have continued to build a competitive team.

22. Post-1994 Struggles: Despite numerous big-name acquisitions, the Rangers were unable to replicate their 1994 success, entering a seven-year postseason drought from 1997 to 2004.
23. Return to Playoffs: The Rangers returned to the playoffs in 2005-06 and continued to show promise, winning their first division title in 17 years in 2011-12.
24. 2014 Stanley Cup Finals: The Rangers advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in 2014 but lost to the Los Angeles Kings in five games.
25. Recent Success: The team has shown recent success, winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023 and reaching the conference finals twice in three seasons.

Notable Trades and Key Players

Several key trades and standout players have shaped the Rangers' history.

26. Notable Trades: The Rangers have made several notable trades over the years, including the acquisition of Mark Messier, which significantly impacted their success.
27. Gartner’s Impact: Michael Gartner was a key player after being acquired by the Rangers, helping the team win the Presidents’ Trophy in 1991-92 and earning a Game 7 win in the spring of 1992.
28. McDonagh’s Contributions: Ryan McDonagh was a crucial defenseman for the Rangers, serving as captain and contributing to the team's success during the early and mid-2010s.
29. Fox’s Rise: Adam Fox has emerged as a top defenseman, winning the Norris Trophy in 2021 and becoming a key player in the Rangers' recent success.

Leadership and Management

Strong leadership and management have been vital to the Rangers' ongoing success.

30. Captaincy: The current captain of the Rangers is Jacob Trouba, who has been instrumental in leading the team both on and off the ice.
31. General Manager: The team is currently managed by Chris Drury, who has been instrumental in shaping the team's roster and strategy.
32. Head Coach: Peter Laviolette is the current head coach of the Rangers, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Affiliates, Media, and Ownership

The Rangers' reach extends beyond the NHL, with strong affiliations and media presence.

33. Minor League Affiliates: The Rangers have minor league affiliates in the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) and Bloomington Bison (ECHL).
34. Media Coverage: The Rangers are covered by various media outlets including MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet, ESPN (98.7 FM), and ESPN Deportes (1050 AM).
35. Ownership: The team is owned by Madison Square Garden Sports, with James Dolan serving as the chairman.

Fan Base and Rivalries

The Rangers boast a passionate fan base and fierce rivalries that add to the excitement of their games.

36. Fan Base: The Rangers have a passionate and dedicated fan base, known for their energy and support at Madison Square Garden.
37. Rivals: The Rangers have several rivalries within the NHL, including the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, and Montreal Canadiens.

Historic Moments and Community Involvement

The Rangers have been part of many historic moments and are actively involved in their community.

38. Historic Games: The Rangers have played in several historic games, including the first NHL game played by plane in 1929 when they traveled to Toronto for a game against the Maple Leafs.
39. Cinderella Squad: The 1950 Rangers team is often referred to as a Cinderella squad, finishing with a losing record in the regular season but making it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
40. Innovative Tactics: Lester Patrick introduced innovative tactics that helped the Rangers become known as “the classiest team in hockey” during their early years.
41. Community Involvement: The Rangers are actively involved in the community, participating in various charity events and initiatives throughout the year.
42. Youth Development: The team has a strong focus on youth development, with programs aimed at promoting hockey among young players in New York City.
43. Alumni Association: The Rangers have an active alumni association, featuring many former players who remain involved with the team and its fans.

Legacy and Future Prospects

The Rangers' legacy is rich, and their future looks bright with a strong roster and management team.

44. Legacy: The Rangers have a lasting legacy in New York City, with many of their players becoming minor celebrities and fixtures in the city's nightlife during the Roaring Twenties.
45. Championships: The Rangers have won four Stanley Cup championships, with their most recent win in 1994.
46. Playoff Appearances: The team has made numerous playoff appearances, including several trips to the Stanley Cup Finals.
47. Hall of Fame Inductees: Many Rangers players have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, including Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter.
48. Franchise Records: The Rangers have set several franchise records over the years, including a 10-game winning streak and a 19-game unbeaten streak in the 1939-40 season.
49. Rivalry with Islanders: The Rangers have a long-standing rivalry with the New York Islanders, with the two teams often competing for playoff spots and bragging rights in the New York metropolitan area.
50. Future Prospects: With a strong roster and management team in place, the Rangers are poised for continued success in the NHL, aiming to bring another Stanley Cup championship to the city of New York.

The Rangers' Legacy Lives On

The New York Rangers have a storied history filled with triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. From their early days under Lester Patrick to the thrilling 1994 Stanley Cup victory led by Mark Messier, the Rangers have cemented their place in hockey lore. Their passionate fan base, iconic home at Madison Square Garden, and fierce rivalries with teams like the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins add to their rich narrative. With recent successes and a promising future, the Rangers continue to be a symbol of New York City's sports culture. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Rangers' legacy offers something for everyone. Their journey through nearly a century of hockey history showcases resilience, innovation, and the undying spirit of the game. Here's to many more years of Rangers hockey and the memories yet to be made.