The question is from Stu Ingalls of New Haven. IS IT FAIR TO NAME A GREATEST RANGER OF ALL-TIME? Good question. The Maven's answer is this: Only if it's plural. In other words, you have to divide the answer by decades. For me, the greatest Ranger – from 1926 to 1935 – is center FRANK BOUCHER as a forward and rough, tough CHING JOHNSON on defense. Also, that team had the first Rangers ironman, Murray Murdoch. (Check Bryan Reilly's book on Murdoch's team, "The Last Original Ranger of New York." It's a terrific read!) Stan Fischler talks about Matt Rempe. The third Cup-winning team in 1940 had DAVEY KERR in goal; one of the all-time greats, Hall of Fame defenseman ART COULTER and Cup-winning-scorer BRYAN HEXTALL. All three are faves of The Maven. Meanwhile, the 1950 one-goal-post-way-almost-Cup-winners featured Hall of Famers CHARLIE RAYNER in goal; ALLAN STANLEY on D and center Buddy O'Connor. Granted that Buddy is not in the Hall but I loved him just the same. All the aforementioned goalies played without a mask, as did GUMP WORSLEY in the late 1950's. Gump's teammate right wing ANDY BATHGATE and defenseman HARRY HOWELL also are Hall of Famers and are on my All-Time "Greatest List." As the game got faster, players donned helmets and all goalies wore masks. The game changed dramatically. Therefore, my final list starts with the 1994 Cup-winners and runs to the present. MIKE RICHTER in goal, BRIAN LEETCH on defense and MARK MESSIER up front. P.S. My greatest "Surprise Ranger" was rookie goalkeeper Andy Aitkenhead who spearheaded the 1933 Blueshirts to their second Cup. Also, my "Most Underrated Great Ranger On The 1994 team – Alex Kovalev!
