Rangers 101: The Basic Guide of Historical Figures in NYR History

The New York Rangers organization is 97 years old. Who are the major historical figures that pioneered the club? A basic guide for new and old fans alike briefly summarizing some of the most important names in its history.

Tex’ Rickard: Ever wonder how the New York Rangers got its name? In the roaring ’20s, Rickard was the promoter of his time. Following the New York Americans' success in the world’s most famous arena, MSG Corporation decided to create a second team in 1926. It was nicknamed “Tex’s Rangers.”

Bill and Bun Cook: Brothers who won two Stanley Cup championships in 1928 and 1933. They combined with Frank Boucher to create the “Bread Line.”

Harry Howell: Howell played for the New York Rangers from 1952-1969, his retired number 3 hangs from the rafters at Madison Square Garden. Howell is in sole possession of the New York Ranger's all-time games played record, hanging the skates up at 1,160 appearances.

Andy Bathgate: The Hall of Fame right wing was the star of the show for the Rangers from 1954-1964. Bathgate was one of the league's finest stars, competing against Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, and Doug Harvey. Bathgate is one of four Rangers players to have earned the Hart Trophy, doing so in 1959.

The GAG Line: Jean Ratelle centered on Rod Gilbert's “Mr. Ranger” and Vic Hadfield to create the “Goal a Game” line in the late 1960s into the 1970s. While playing together, the triad averaged 1 goal a game creating their acronym and name. All their numbers have been retired by the Rangers.

Eddie Giacomin: New Yorkers of the past can still hear the echoes of chants for number 1 in the crease “Eddie, Eddie.” The star net-minder split the Vezina trophy in 1971 with his teammate Gilles Villemure. Giacomin led the New York Rangers to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final where the team lost to the Boston Bruins. The fans adored him so much when he returned to the Garden on the Detroit Red Wings on November 2^nd, 1975, the crowd rooted against the Rangers, chanting his name from the drop of the puck to the end of the match.

Mark Messier: “The Messiah” was acquired by the New York Rangers in 1991. Messier won the Hart Trophy in 1992 and the following season the Rangers missed the playoffs. Following a season of disappointment, “The Moose” led the Rangers into their miraculous 1994 playoff run, where he guaranteed a win facing elimination in the Eastern Conference Final. He would go on to score a hat-trick in the game leading the Rangers to a game 7 against the Devils. Messier is the only captain in history to lead two different clubs to a championship.

Brian Leetch: Many fans look to Messier as the greatest Ranger of all time, but Messier himself believes that Brian Leetch is. The fan favorite is one of the best defensemen in league history as he was awarded the Norris Trophy in 1992 and 1997, and in the Rangers, drought-ending championship in 1994, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.

Henrik Lundqvist: “The King” is one of the best goalies in NHL history. Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and lead the Rangers to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, the first appearance the club had since 1994. Lundqvist garnered fame in his career for taking the city by storm on the ice and as an icon outside of the game of hockey. He became a figure in fashion, owns a restaurant, and plays the guitar. Lundqvist is headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13^th.