Many Rangers historians know the story about how the 1949-50 Blueshirts had to play all seven road games in the 1950 Cup Final vs. Detroit because the Ringling Bros. Circus booted the hockey club out of the Old Garden.

In those days, the circus was the biggest draw at MSG and all other events had to make way for it – including the hockey games. Even playoff contests in the Finals.

But few know the story about how the circus HELPED the Rangers win the 1933 Final against Toronto. Here's how:

In a preliminary series the Maple Leafs met the Boston Bruins in a best-of-five playoff. The tourney was tied at two games apiece with the deciding contest set for April 3, 1933 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. 

As it happened, the finale turned into the longest game in NHL history until that point. It lasted into the sixth overtime period and was decided on a goal by Ken Doraty at 4:46 of the sixth OT at 1:48 a.m. 

Because the circus was moving into the Garden, the opening of the Toronto-New York tournament had to be played that very night on April 4.

The Leafs had to board a train for Grand Central Terminal that didn't reach Manhattan until 4:30 in the following afternoon. The weary Leafs hardly had time for a nap and then off to MSG for the game.

Incredible But True Blueshirts Tales: Ching Johnson Goon Or Not? I doubt that anyone reading the following will know the answer, but here goes:

"I pleaded with the powers that be at The Garden to postpone the game by one day," said Leafs boss Conn Smythe, "but they refused because they would not delay the circus, not even by a day." 

"We were exhausted," said Toronto's ace center Joe Primeau, "and we lost to the opener to the Rangers 5-1. We never recovered from that."

The Blueshirts won The 1933 Cup three games to one. And they could thank the elephants for that!