The early 1980's was a mini-golden age of New York hockey.
Herb Brooks had coached Uncle Sam's sextet to its "Miracle On Ice" at Lake Placid and then would come to Manhattan to become head coach of the Rangers.
Brooks' magnetism lured some of his Olympic Gold Medalists to New York and one of them was a relatively tiny center named Mark Pavelich.
As extremely talented as he was quiet, Pav learned his hockey in the Minnesota hotbed called Eveleth where Hall of Famers such as Frankie Brimsek played as well as many other major league stars.
Although Pavelich was mocked as a "Smurf" by some opposing coaches, he also was feared for his prowess. He starred as a rookie in 1981-82 and a year later he scored a career high 37 goals for the New York Rangers.
One game that season -- among all others -- was a record-breaker and today we celebrate the 41st anniversary of that inimitable contest at Madison Square Garden.
On February 23, 1983 the Blueshirts were playing the Hartford Whalers at The World's Most Famous Arena. For that one night Pav became the world's most famous Ranger.
He scored not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE GOALS in what would be an 11-3 victory for the Blueshirts.
Coincidentally, that was the night a cigarette company, Winston, gave out caps to all the fans.
Once Mark got his third -- hat trick -- goal the caps rained down on the ice. By the time he illuminated his fifth red light, there wasn't a cap left in the MSG stands.
"Mark was a wonderful player," Brooks once told me. "What he lacked in size he made up for with talent and a big heart."
After his bonanza night Pavelich continued to star for the Blueshirts. A year later he compiled a personal points record of 82. He enjoyed two more seasons with the Rangers. But after Brooks departed Broadway, Ted Sator became head coach.
"Ted wanted Mark to play a different kind of game," said one reporter who covered the team, "and Mark objected; and that was the end of Pav starring for the Rangers."
Pavelich continued to play but never at the level he attained under Brooks.
Nor did he ever match that bountiful evening at The Garden when thousands of caps greeted his five-and goal performance, 41 years ago today!