BEST RANGERS CAPTAIN OF ALL-TIME; BILL COOK: Within two years of the Blueshirts' creation the right wing – and World War One hero – paced the New Yorkers to their first Stanley Cup. While on the super line – with brother Bun and Frank Boucher – Bill spearheaded a repeat Cup in 1933. (No other Ranger captain won two Cups.) 2. MARK MESSIER: The 54-year wait for a fourth Stanley Cup ended in 1994 when the center from Edmonton – and a whole bunch of former Oilers – proved that he was a leader among leaders. It was Mess who rescued his teammates in the previous playoff round vs. New Jersey when it appeared that the Devils would prevail. 3. ART COULTER: As tough as they come, the Winnipeg native got the "C" for the 1937-38 season and was in charge when the Blueshirts peaked in 1939-40 and reached the Cup Final. A nature commander, Coulter was the main man in the victory over Toronto in Game Six. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG 4. BUDDY O'CONNOR: In one of the most astounding "steals" of all-time, the Rangers obtained Buddy from Montreal. He immediately won the Hart and Lady Byng Trophies. But the best was yet to come. As captain in 1949-50, his Rangers stunned the hockey world by going to Game 7 of the '50 Cup Final before losing in double overtime. 5. RYAN CALLAHAN: Although the Rangers got knocked out of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final by Los Angeles in five games, getting there was half the fun. Callahan's guts, goals and glamor symbolized a gritty team that played better hockey than the five game loss would indicate. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOBY PRIZE CAPTAIN: MARK MESSIER: Hailed as a conquering hero when Moose returned to Seventh Avenue from his Vancouver disaster for 2003-2004. Mess proved to be a colossal build up to a letdown the second time around!
