New York Rangers (1926-Present)

Historical Moments:
1926/27: Granted a franchise by the NHL famous promoter Tex Rickard, the first year Rangers would have to famous architect Conn Smythe help fill out the roster with future Hall of Famers such as Frank Boucher and the Cook Brothers. To replace Smyth, Rickard selected another NHL legend in Lester Patrick. On November 16th the Rangers would finally take the ice with Patrick behind the bench, as they beat the Montreal Maroons 1-0 at MSG in front of 13,000 fans. The Rangers would go on to win the American Division with a 25-13-6 record as Bill Cook led the NHL in scoring. However in the semi-finals the Rangers would lose a 2-game total goal series 3-1 to the Boston Bruins.

1927/28: In their 2nd season the Rangers take a step back in the regular season finishing 2nd in the American Division with a 19-16-9 record. However, the playoffs would prove a different story. In the Quarterfinals the Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-4 in a 2-game total goal series behind an impressive 4-0 win in the opener. After tie Game 1 at the Garden the Rangers were forced to beat the Bruins 4-1 in Boston to win the total goal series to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final. Forced to play on the road the because of the Garden's circus contract the Rangers went into the finals against the Montreal Maroons as decided underdogs. After losing Game 1 the Rangers appeared doomed when goalie Lorne Chabot suffered an eye injury midway through Game 2. Former Defenseman and Coach Lester Patrick would take Chabot's place between the pipes and the Rangers seemed to get inspired winning the game 2-1 in overtime to even the series. After signing New York Americans goalie Joe Miller the Rangers dropped Game 3 by a score of 2-0 and faced elimination in Game 4. However Miller would not allow another goal in the series as the Rangers won the next 2 games 1-0, and 2-0 to claim the historic Stanley Cup. In winning the cup the Rangers became the 2nd American team, and first NHL from the US to get their names carved into the silver chalice.

1928/29: Defending the Stanley Cup the Rangers finish 2nd in the American Division again with a solid 21-13-10 record. In the Quarterfinals the Rangers battle the New York Americans in a 2-game Total Goal series. In Game 2 went the Rangers Butch Keeling finally lit the lamp for the only goal of the series 29:50 in to OT. In the semi-finals the Rangers would sweep the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 in a best of 3 series. However their quest to keep the cup ended in the finals when the Boston Bruins swept them in 2 games.

1929/30: The Rangers make the playoffs finishing 3rd in the American Division despite a mediocre 17-17-10 record. In the Quarterfinals the Rangers would again prove to be a solid postseason competitor by beating the Ottawa Senators 6-3 in a 2-game Total Goal Series. However in the semis they are swept by the Montreal Canadiens in 2 games.

1930/31: Finishing 3rd with a 19-16-9 record the Rangers qualify for the playoffs again. Once again they rose to the occasion in the playoffs destroying the Montreal Maroons 8-1 in a 2-Game Total Goal Series. However, once again they are swept n the semifinals this time falling in 2 games to the Chicago Black Hawks.

1931/32: The Rangers climb to the top of their division posting a solid 23-17-8ecord to capture the American Division. In a match up of Division winners the Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 in a best of 5 games series. However in the finals the Rangers are buried by 18 Maple Leafs goals as they are swept in 3 games by Toronto.

1932/33: After finishing 3rd place in competitive American Division with a 23-17-8 record the Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens 8-3 in a 2 game Total Goal Series. The Rangers would go on to win a trip to the Finals by beating the Detroit Red Wings 6-3 in another Total Goal series. The win earned the Rangers a rematch with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers would take advantage of their only game at the Garden by burning the Leafs 5-1 in the series opener. The series shifted to Toronto where the Rangers took a commanding 2-0 series lead with a 3-1 victory. After dropping Game 4 the Rangers and Leafs battled into overtime scoreless in game 4. The Rangers would win the game and the Stanley Cup when Bill Cook hit the back of the net 7:33 into bonus time.

1933/34: Despite playing only mediocre hockey the Rangers make the playoffs again with a 21-19-8 record. However the Cup defense would end quickly in the playoff as they dropped a 2-game Total Goal Series 2-1 to the Montreal Maroons.

1934/35: The Rangers make the playoffs again with a 22-20-6 record good enough for 3rd Place. In the playoffs the Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in a 2-game Total Goal Series. However Montreal's other team the Maroons would reverse the Rangers beating them 5-4 in the 2-game semi-finals total goal series.

1935/36: Despite posting another winning record at 19-17-12 the Rangers string of 9 straight playoff appearances comes to an end as they lose the final playoff spot to the Detroit Red Wings via a tie breaker. The Wings would actually go on to claim the Stanley Cup.

1936/37: A year after missing the playoffs with a winning record, the Rangers make the playoffs despite a losing record at 19-20-9. IN the Quarterfinals the Rangers would beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 in a best of 3 series. In the semifinals the Rangers would continue to roll sweeping the Montreal Maroons 2-0 in a best of 3 game series in which Dave Kerr and the Rangers blanked the Maroons by a total score of 5-0. In the finals the Rangers beat the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 in the series opener at the Garden. However with circus coming to town the Rangers are forced to play the rest of the series on the road. After dropping Game 2 the Rangers rebound to take Game 3, by a score of 1-0. However, the Rangers would not score another goal as they fell in 5 games.

1937/38: Goalie Dave Kerr becomes just the second hockey player to grace the cover of Time Magazine. The Rangers post a solid 27-15-6 record to finish in 2nd place in the American Division. However, in the playoffs they are stunned as their city rivalries the Americans beat them with an overtime goal in the series deciding 3rd game.

1938/39: With the NHL down to 7 teams the Rangers finish in 2nd place with a 26-16-6 record, as divisional play is eliminated. Battling the Boston Bruins in a best of 7 semifinals, the Rangers go the distance but lose in 7 nail biting games that included 4 overtime games including the series finale in Boston. Following the season coach Lester Patrick would step down to concentrate solely on his duties General Manager.

1939/40: With new coach Frank Boucher the Rangers finish in 2nd Place again with an impressive 27-11-10 record. In the semifinals the Rangers beat the Boston Bruins in 6 games to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the finals the Rangers win their first 2 games by scores of 2-1 and 6-2 at the Garden, before finishing the series on the road because of the circus. After dropping the first 2 games in Toronto the Rangers win a critical Game 5 2-1 in overtime on Muzz Patrick's overtime goal. In Game 6 it would take overtime again as the Rangers won the Stanley Cup for the 3rd time 3-2 on Bryan Hextall's goal 2:33 into OT. Following the season the Rangers would celebrate buying out their lease at Madison Square Garden by burning the lease in the historic Stanley Cup, a move that would take on greater mystery in coming years.

1940/41: The Rangers follow up their cup win by finishing in 4th Place with a 21-19-8 record. The Rangers playoff run would end quickly by falling 2-1 in a best of 3 series to the Detroit Red Wings. Following the season the Rangers would evict the New York Americans from the Garden. After playing a season in Brooklyn the Americans are forced to fold. Americans president Red Dutton is said to have placed a curse on the Rangers stating they would not win the cup again in his lifetime.

1941/42: The Rangers finish first place in the NHL during the regular season with a 29-17-2 record holding off the 2nd Place Toronto Maple Leafs by 3 points. However, in the semifinals the Rangers are stunned by the Leafs in 6 games.

1942/43: Losing several key players to Military Service the Rangers go from first to worst finishing dead last among the now 6-team NHL with an awful 11-31-8 record. On the way to finishing last the Rangers suffer through a 20-game winless streak.

1943/44: The Rangers go from bad to worse as they start the season winless through their first 16 games. However the slump would pale in comparison to the season ending 21 game winless streak as the Rangers finish with a god awful 6-39-5 record.

1944/45: The winless streak would finally come to an end 5 games into the season as the Rangers took nearly 11 months between victories during a hideous 25 game winless streak stretched over 2 seasons. The Rangers would go on to finish in last place again with an 11-29-10 record.

1945/46: The Rangers struggles continue as they finish in last place again with a 13-28-9 record. However they would get a bright spot as Edgar Laprade won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.

1946/47: After 4 seasons mired in last place the Rangers begin to show signs of life finishing just 5 points out of a playoff spot with a 22-36-6 record good enough for 5th place.

1947/48: With Buddy O'Connor capturing the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP the Rangers end a 5-year playoff drought by finishing in 4th Place with a 21-26-13 record. However, in the playoffs the Rangers are beaten by the Detroit Red Wings in 6 games.

1948/49: The Rangers take a major step backwards falling back into falling back into the cellar with an awful 18-31-11 record.

1949/50: Riding the back of goalie Chuck Rayner who won the Hart Trophy with an impressive 2.62 GAA the Rangers get back into the playoffs by finishing 4th with a 28-31-11 record. In the playoffs the Rangers reached the finals for the first time in 10 years by dispatching the Montreal Canadiens in 5 games. Forced to hit the road because of the circus the Rangers dropped Game 1 to the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Playing in Toronto in Game 2 the Rangers rebounded for 3-1 win. After losing Game 3 in Toronto 4-0 the Rangers had their backs to the wall with remainder of the series in Detroit. However, going to Detroit seemed to spark the Rangers as they won the next 2 games in overtime on goals by Don Raleigh. However the series would end up going 7 games after the Wings to a 5-4 shootout in Game 6. Game 7 would go into overtime as well, as the Wings took the cup in double overtime on Pete Babando's goal at 28:31.

1950/51: The Rangers follow up their trip to the finals with a disappointing 5th place record of 20-29-12 that kept them a tantalizing 1-point out of the playoffs.

1951/52: The Rangers continue to struggle missing the playoffs for the 8th time in 10 years by finishing in 5th place with a 23-34-13 record.

1952/53: Despite a stellar season by Rookie Goalie Gump Worley who wins the Calder Trophy, the Rangers crash into last place again finishing with a terrible 17-37-16 record.

1953/54: With Camille Henry becoming the 2nd Ranger in a row to win the Calder Trophy the Rangers make a run at the playoffs by finishing with a 29-31-10 record. However in the end they would end up 6 points short while finishing in 5th place.

1954/55: The struggles of the Rangers continue as the miss the playoffs for the 5th year in a row while finish with a losing record for the 13th year in a row at 17-35-18.

1955/56: By posting a record of 32-28-10 the Rangers have their first winning season since 1942 to finish in 3rd place and make the playoffs. However their playoffs would end quickly as they are knocked off by the Montreal Canadiens in 5 games.

1956/57: Despite finishing with a 26-30-14 record the Rangers make the playoffs for the 2nd straight year by finishing in 4th place. However, once again the Rangers are dropped by the Montreal Canadiens in 5 games.

1957/58: The Rangers rise continues as they finish in 2nd place with a solid 32-25-13 record. However, in the playoffs they ousted quickly again falling in 6 games to the Boston Bruins.

1958/59: Despite Andy Bathgate capturing the Hart Trophy with 40 goals the Rangers miss the playoffs by 1 point finishing in 5th place with a 26-32-12 record.

1959/60: The Rangers find themselves in the cellar again finishing with a woeful 17-38-15 record.

1960/61: The Rangers miss the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row finishing in 5th place with a horrid 22-38-10 record.

1961/62: With a 26-32-12 record the Rangers sneak into 4h place to qualify for the playoffs. In the playoffs the Rangers would drop their first 2 to the Maple Leafs in Toronto. With the series shifting to MSG the Rangers call on the reserves as Defenseman Rod Gilbert makes his NHL debut. The move seemed to work as the Rangers won 2 straight at home. However after a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 5 at Toronto the Rangers season is ended with a 7-1 thrashing in Game 6.

1962/63: The Rangers fall again missing the playoffs by finishing in 5th place with a terrible 22-36-12 record.

1963/64: The Rangers continue their role as NHL also-rans finishing without the playoffs again in 5th place with a 22-38-10 record.

1964/65: In a move to turn the Rangers into contenders the Rangers hire Emile Francis as their new General Manager. However the Rangers show little improvement finishing in 5th place with a 20-38-12 record.

1965/66: With Emile Francis taking the dual role as GM and Coach the Rangers hit rock bottom rock bottom by finishing in last place with an atrocious 18-41-11 record.

1966/67: Goalie Eddie Giocomin has a breakout season by posting 9 shutouts and backstopping the Rangers to a 4th place 30-28-12 record. However the Rangers would be swept by the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs.

1967/68: In a year that saw the NHL double from 6 to 12 teams the Rangers change addresses as the old Madison Square Garden closes its doors on February 11th following a 3-3 tie against the Detroit Red Wings. A week later and 17 blocks downtown the Rangers opened up a brand new Madison Square Garden by beating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 before 17,250 fans. The Rangers would go on to finish in 2nd Place with a 39-23-12 record. However in the playoffs the Rangers are stunned by the Chicago Black Hawks in 6 games after winning the first 2 games.

1968/69: In their first full season at the new garden the Rangers have another solid season posting a 41-26-9 record while placing 3rd in the Eastern Division. However, in the playoffs the Rangers are bounced quickly again being swept by the Montreal Canadiens in 4 games.

1969/70: With 5 teams over 90 points the Rangers had to pull Goalie Eddie Giocomin in the final game just to score more goals t earn a playoff tiebreaker over the Montreal Canadiens with a 38-22-16 record. However in the playoffs it was disappointment again, as the Rangers are knocked out in the first round by the Boston Bruins in 6 games. Now 20 years removed form their last playoff series victory, and 30 years removed form their last Stanley Cup talk of a curse from burning the lease, and Red Dutton began to grow. Following the season Backup Goalie Terry Sawchuck and RW Ron Stewart who lived together during the season ended up in a fight over bills. Sawchuck would sustain serious internal injuries that would lead to his death, a month later.

1970/71: With a record of 49-18-11 the Rangers top the 100-point mark for the first time. However despite their 109 points they finished 13 points out of first. In the playoffs the Rangers knocked off the Toronto Maple Leafs in 6 games for their first playoff victory in 21 years. However, in the semis their season is ended by the Chicago Black Hawks in a hard fought 7-game series.

1971/72: The Rangers match their 109-point effort by finishing in 2nd place again with a 48-17-13 record. Highlighting the season is Vic Hadfield who becomes the first Ranger to tally 50 goals in a season. In the playoffs the Rangers continued to roll as they knocked off the Montreal Canadiens in 6 games. Facing the Chicago Black Hawks in the semis for the 2nd year in a row the Rangers extract revenge by sweeping the Black Hawks in 4 straight to advance to the finals. However, before the finals even started the Rangers chances are dealt a blow when Captain Jean Rattelle breaks his ankle stepping off a curb wrong. Without Rattle the Rangers would fall in 6 games to the Boston Bruins leaving more fans to ponder were the Rangers cursed.

1972/73: In a year the Garden hosted the All-Star Game the Rangers break the 100-point barrier again finishing in 3rd place with a solid 47-23-8 record. In the playoffs the Rangers extract revenge by beating the Boston Bruins to a pulp in 5 games. In 3 of the Rangers wins they won by 3 goals or more. However in the semis the Rangers are knocked off by the Chicago Black Hawks in 5 games, losing 4 straight after winning the opener.

1973/74: The Rangers put together another solid season posting 94 points by finishing in 3rd place with a 40-24-14 record. In the playoffs the Rangers reached the semis for the 4th year in a row by beating the Montreal Canadiens in 6 games. However their season would end in heartbreak in a hard fought 7-game series with the Philadelphia Flyers.

1974/75: With realignment the Rangers finish 2nd in the Patrick Division named after former Rangers GM and Coach Lester Patrick with a solid 37-29-14 record. However, they are forced to play an extra round of playoffs in the NHL's newly expanded playoff format. There things would take a turn for the worse as the Rangers are stunned by the New York Islanders in a best of 3 game series losing the 3rd and final game in overtime at the Garden. Following the season Emile Francis would leave the bench to concentrate solely on his duties as General Manager.

1975/76: As the season started GM Emile Francis started to rebuild his first move came on October 30th when longtime goalie Eddie Giocomin was suddenly released. The move would not go over well with fans and just 3 days later he returned to the Garden receiving a standing ovation while leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 6-4 victory over the Rangers. A few days later the rangers continued to retool as Jean Rattelle and Brad Park are sent to the Boston Bruins in a blockbuster trade that lands Phil Esposito in a blue sweater. However the Rangers would struggle all season and before the season in which the Rangers missed the playoffs with a 29-42-9 record ended Emile Francis was gone, after being fired in January.

1976/77: The rebuilding Rangers continue to struggle missing the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row with a 29-37-14 record.

1977/78: In a year marked by bad fashion the Rangers changed their traditional uniforms replacing the diagonal Rangers for a uniform featuring the shield logo that resembled the WHA's Winnipeg Jets. That same season coach Jean-Guy Talbot was booed vigorously by fashion sensitive Rangers fans that started chanting lest go Penguins when he wore a leisure suit behind the bench for a game. The Rangers would go on to make the playoffs despite finishing in last place with a 30-37-13 record. In the Preliminary round the Rangers are ousted by the Buffalo Sabres in best of 3 games series that goes the distance. Following the season Talbot is fired and replaced by Fred Shero.

1978/79: Under new coach Fred Shero the Rangers bring back their traditional uniforms and put together a solid season finishing in 2nd place with a 40-29-11 record. In the Playoffs the Rangers continued to roll as they destroyed the Los Angeles Kings in a best of 3 game series winning both games by a combined 9-2 tally. In the Quarters the Fred Shero would beat haunt his old team as the Rangers knocked off the Philadelphia Flyers 4 games to 1. This would set the Rangers up in a semifinal showdown with their suburban neighbors. With Goalie John Davidson nearly standing on his head the Rangers stun the Islanders in 6 games to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Facing the 3-tim defending Champion Montreal Canadiens the Rangers take Game 1 at the historic Montreal Forum 4-1. However, a 3rd period onslaught by the Canadiens in Game 2 proved to be the turning point as the Canadiens won the Cup for the 4th year in a row with a 5 game series victory that extended the Rangers drought to 39 years.

1979/80: Coming off their trip to the Stanley Cup Finals the Rangers play just good enough to make the playoffs with a 38-32-10 record. In the playoffs the Rangers douse the Atlanta Flames in best of series 3 games to 1. However, in the following round they are bullied by the Philadelphia Flyers falling behind 3-0 before falling in 5 games.

1980/81: After a slow start coach Fred Shero is fired and replaced by GM Craig Patrick. Under Patrick the Rangers would play better, as they made the playoffs despite finishing with a 30-36-14 record. Playing as the 13th seed the Rangers stun the Los Angels Kings in 4 games is a best of 5. Scoring an incredible 16 goals in the last 2 games played at the Garden. Following the season Patrick would go back to running things behind the scenes as he hired 1980 US Olympic team Coach Herb Brooks.

1981/82: With an adjustment to the playoff format the Rangers finish 2nd in the Patrick Division with a solid 39-27-14 record. In the Patrick Division playoffs the Rangers drop the first game to the Philadelphia Flyers at the Grandee, but rally back to take the series in 4 games. However, in the Division Finals the New York Islanders on the road to winning their 3rd straight Stanley Cup knock the Rangers off in 6 games.

1982/83: The Rangers play only mediocre hockey all year but easily finish 4th in the Patrick Division with a 35-35-10 record to make the playoffs. In the Patrick Division Semifinals the Rangers stun the 1st Place Philadelphia Flyers in 3 games. However, once again the Rangers would fall in the Division finals in 6 games to the Stanley Cup bound New York Islanders. Making matters worse is that suburban Islanders fans began taking to chanting 1940 taunting the Rangers long drought without a drink from the Stanley Cup.

1983/84: Despite finishing with a solid 43-29-9 record the Rangers could only manage to finish in the four spot in the Patrick Division Playoff picture. Facing the 4-time Stanley Cup Champion New York Islanders in the first round the Rangers held a lead in Game 4 with a chance to end the Islanders dynasty. However, the Isles would rally to win the game, and then captured Game 5 in overtime as they continued to hold New York bragging rights.

1984/85: The Rangers get off to bad start leading to the firing of Coach Herb Brooks. Under GM Craig Patrick who stepped behind the bench the Rangers would not fare much better as the finished with a disappointing 26-44-10 record. However, under the current playoff format the Rangers still managed to sneak in the playoffs. However, in the playoffs the Rangers are bounced quickly as they are swept by the Philadelphia Flyers in 3 games.

1985/86: With Goalie John Vanbiesbrouck having a breakout year by winning the Vezina Trophy the Rangers improve to 36-38 under new coach Ted Sator. However, once again they can only mange the 4th seed in the Patrick Division Playoffs. Facing the first place Philadelphia Flyers again the Rangers would stun the defending Conference Champions in 5 games taking the decisive 5th game in Philadelphia by a 5-2 score. In the Patrick Finals the Rangers stared a 3-1 deficit in the face trailing the Washington Capital late in the 3rd period of Game 4. However, the Rangers would rally and would go on to win in OT on Bob Brooke's goal 2:40 in. The Rangers would go on to win the next to make the Wales Conference Finals. However, the Rangers would run out of gas losing in 5 games to the Montreal Canadiens.

1986/87: With a font office shakeup and revolving coaches the Rangers play mediocre hockey all season as they barely hold off the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final playoff spot with a 34-38-8 record. In the Patrick Division Semifinals the Rangers would fall in the first round to Philadelphia Flyers in 6 games.

1987/88: Trying to add stability to the team the Rangers trade for Coach Michel Bergeron. However, an off-season injury to goalie John Vanbiesbrouck puts the team in an early hole. However Vanbiesbrouck would return and the Rangers would start winning. However, making the playoffs would prove tough then normal as both the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins who had been doormats began to become contenders. It would go down to the final game as the Rangers missed the playoffs by a tiebreaker despite a winning 36-34-10 record.

1988/89: Hall of Famer Guy LaFleur, Rookies Tony Granato and Brian Leetch spark the Rangers early as they get off to a terrific start holding the Patrick Division lead most of the season. However, as the season wore on the Rangers began to fade. In February and March the Rangers would lose nearly 2-third of their games leading to the firing of Coach Michel Bergeron with 2 games remaining in the season. GM Tony Esposito would fill the coaching role the rest of the season as the Rangers continued to lose. However, the Rangers would still make the playoffs with a 37-35-8 record. In the playoffs the Rangers would continue to struggle getting swept in 4 games by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Desperate to do anything to turn the Rangers around Rookie Goalie Mike Richter would make his NHL debut in the 4th game. Following the season GM Phil Esposito is fired as the Rangers clean house. On a bright not Defenseman Brian Leetch would claim the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top Rookie.

1989/90: The Rangers rise continues as the midseason acquisitions of All-Stars Bernie Nichols and Mike Gartner help the Rangers win their first Division Title in 48 years with a 36-31-13 record. In the Playoffs the Rangers continued to play solid hockey as they took the New York Islanders out in 5 games. However in the Divisional Finals they are stunned by the Washington Capitals losing 4 straight after winning the opener 7-3.

1990/91: With Mike Richter and John Vanbiesbrouck splitting time between the pipes the Rangers post an identical 36-31-13 record, but have to settle for 2nd Place in the Patrick Division. In the playoffs the Rangers are stunned by the Washington Capitals again losing in 6 games in the Division Semifinals.

1991/92: As the season was starting the Rangers went from mere playoff strongholds to Stanley Cup contenders with the acquisition of Mark Messier form the Edmonton Oilers. The addition of Messier gave the Rangers a leader they could turn to in key situations. The Rangers would capture the President's Trophy for best regular season record with a 50-25-5 record. However the Rangers momentum is slowed by a late season strike that interrupts play for 10 days. When the playoffs started the Rangers seemed a little flat as it took the full 7 games to beat the upstart New Jersey Devils in the Division Semifinals. In the Divisional Playoffs the Rangers had the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ropes leading the series 2 games to 1 and holding a 4-43 lead late in the 3rd Period of Game 4. However, Mike Richter would give up a goal on bad bounce from center ice as the Penguins rallied to win in overtime. The Penguins would go on to win the series in 6 games despite playing without Mario Lemieux who was injured by an Adam Graves slash. However, Graves' suspension would seem to hurt the Rangers more.

1992/93: On draft day the Rangers appear to have acquired Rookie holdout Eric Lindros from the Quebec Nordiques. However, moments earlier the Nordiques accepted a trade from the Philadelphia Flyers, an arbitrator would rule that the future star was the Flyers property. The Lindros trade seemed to cast a shadow over the Rangers goaltending duo of Mike Richter and John Vanbiesbrouck, as the Rangers struggled leading to the firing of Coach Roger Nielsen. However, under replacement Ron Smith the team continued to struggle with both inconstancy and injuries. Down the stretch the Rangers would lose 11 of their last 12 games as they fell into last place in the Patrick Division with a 34-39-11 record. Following the season the Rangers would trade John Vanbiesbrouck and hire Coach Mike Keenan.

1993/94: From the time arrived in old London for a 2-game preseason exhibition series with the Toronto Maple Leafs the Rangers were a team on a mission, as new coach Mike Keenan put together a motivational video. However, the Rangers would get off to a slow start losing 5 of their first 8 games including a home loss to the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The Rangers would acquire All-Star Steve Larmer in a 3-team deal, as the team started to gel the Rangers would only lose once in their next 22 games charging a head to first place in the Eastern Division. That year Madison Square Garden hosted the All-Star Game as Goalie Mike Richter stole the show, winning the game's MVP while stopping Vancouver Canucks star Pavel Bure on a break away opportunity. The Rangers would continue to play solid hockey until March holding the best record in the league. However, the team started to struggle a bit and it concerned Coach Mike Keenan so he decided to retool for the playoffs. On deadline day the Rangers rolled the dice acquiring proven playoff performer like Glen Anderson and Craig MacTavish. In addition they traded future star Tony Amonte to the Chicago Blackhawks for Stephan Matteau and Brian Noonan. After the deals the Rangers would lose just twice winning the President's Trophy with a 52-24-8 record. For the Rangers the true test would be the playoffs an in the first round they passed with flying colors sweeping the New York Islanders in 4 games by a combined score of 22-3. In the next round the Rangers would face the Washington Capitals who proved to be a pest in the past, but this time the Rangers would continue to roll winning the first 3 games by a score of 14-5. The Caps would salvage Game 4, but the Rangers would take the series in 5 games to set up an Eastern Conference Showdown with New Jersey Devils. The Rangers who swept their Hudson River rivals in the in the regular season learned early it would not be easy when the Devils took Game 1 in Double OT. The Rangers would bounce back to win the next 2 including Game 3 in the Meadowlands on Stephan Matteau's goal in Double OT. However over the next 2 games the Rangers would fall flat as the Devils took a 3-2 series lead, talk swirled around old curses and hexes as 1940 weighed heavily on the Rangers. However, Captain Mark Messier took all the pressure on his shoulders by guaranteeing victory in Jersey for Game 6. However, the Rangers fell behind 2-0 early and entered the final period trailing 2-1. From there Captain Mark took the game over scoring a Natural Hat Trick as the Rangers forced Game 7 with a 4-2 win. The Rangers appeared on the threshold of victory leading in the final minute of Game 7 1-0. However the Devils would score with the goalie pulled with 7 seconds remaining to force a 7th Game overtime. The 2 rivals battled back and forth through 20 minutes as the game went to a 2nd OT for the 3rd time in the series. After going back and forth down the ice Stephan Matteau circled around the back of the net 4:24 into the 2nd OT sneaking the puck past Devils Goalie Martin Brodeur in one of the most dramatic moments in HL history as et Rangers went to the Finals.

1993/94: In the Stanley Cup Finals the Rangers would go in as a heavy favorite facing the Vancouver Canucks. However, after dropping Game 1 in stunning fashion in OT the Rangers had a must win in Game 2. Early in the 3rd Period Glen Anderson would give the Rangers a lead that was held up by an empty net goal in the final seconds to win the game 3-1. With the series shifting to Vancouver the Rangers whether a furious 1st 5 minutes by Canucks star Pavel Bure. However, Bure was too pumped and when he took a game misconduct the Rangers too advantage and won going away 5-1. In Game 4 the Rangers would fall behind early again trailing 2-0 after the first period. In the 2nd period the Rangers would get on the board but still seemed to be swimming upstream, as Pavel Bure set up for a Penalty Shot. In a make or break moment Mike Richter stoned Pavel Bure in a repeat of his All-Star Break away to keep the game close. From there the Rangers would spark to life scoring 3 unanswered goals to win the game 4-2 and take a commanding 3 games to 1 series lead. With the Cup in their grasp the Ranger shad a chance to close the Canucks out in Game 5 back at the Garden however, the Rangers played shaky hockey and fell behind 3-0 in the 3rd period. The Rangers would then spark to life scoring 3 goals in a matter of minutes. Just as fast as the Rangers tied it, the Canucks scored 3 of their won to send the series back to Vancouver 6-3. In Game 6 the Rangers seemed out of gas as the Canucks forced Game 7 with a 4-1 victory. As Game 7 was set to be played in the Garden talk of curses and jinxes and now or never put all the pressure on the Rangers. With the atmosphere so tense you can cut it wit a knife the Rangers jumped on the board first scoring 2 goals in the 1st period. After Trevor Linden got the Canucks on the board Mark Messier answered to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead entering the final period. Five minutes into the final period Linden would strike again to get the Canucks within 1 goal at 3-2. From there the Canucks applied the pressure tenfold as Mike Richter did all he can to hold on. The clock seemed to move slow as the game went into the final period. With the Canucks goal empty the Rangers cleared the zone and iced the puck with 1.6 seconds left. From there Craig MacTavish won the face off as the Rangers finally ended 54 years of frustration by winning the Stanley Cup. Defenseman Brian Leetch would make history by becoming the first American Born Player to win the Conn Smythe as Playoff MVP.

1994/95: The Rangers Stanley Cup celebration was short lived as Coach Mike Keenan was allowed to leave after a disagreement over bonus payments with GM Neil Smith. With new Coach Colin Campbell the Rangers would have their much-anticipated banner raising put on hold as the Owners locked the players out while trying to formulate a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The season would not start until January 20th, with the schedule was shortened to 48 games, as the Rangers struggled just to make the playoffs. The Rangers would eventually make the playoffs as the 8th seed in the East with a mediocre 22-23-3 record. In the playoffs the Rangers showed flashes of their Stanley Cup run stunning the Quebec Nordiques in 6 games. However, they would quickly run out of gas being swept by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2nd Round.

1995/96: The Rangers returned to top forming leading the Atlantic Division most of the year. However, they would have to settle for 2nd place with a 41-27-14 record after struggling down the stretch. Making news during the season was Captain Mark Messier who scored the 500th Goal of his prestigious career. In the playoffs the Rangers would get off on the wrong foot dropping the first 2 games to the Montreal Canadiens at the Garden. However, the Rangers would skate into the new Molson Center and stun the Habs on the road to turn the series around and win it in 6. However in the next round the Rangers are knocked off by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 5 games.

1996/97: In a move that seemed natural the Rangers signed Wayne Gretzky, The greatest player who ever lived. The signing reunited Gretzky with his ex Edmonton Oilers teammate Mark Messier, who provided the 1-2 punch of 4 Stanley Cup Championship teams. However, the Rangers just seemed old at times as the muddled through the season with a 38-34-10 record. In the playoffs the Rangers dropped Game 1 to the Florida Panthers 3-0 and rallied to win the next 4 games as Wayne Gretzky showed his old playoff magic netting a hat trick and an overtime game winner. In the 2nd round they repeated the pattern losing to the New Jersey Devils 3-0 and rallying to win the next 4. However, in the Eastern Conference Finals they would not be able to rally losing to Philadelphia Flyers in 5 games. Following the season Mark Messier was allowed to walk away and sign with the Vancouver Canucks.

1997/98: The Rangers sorely miss their Captain as they never get it going missing the playoffs with a 25-39-18 record, as Coach Colin Campbell is fired and replaced by John Muckler in the middle of the season.

1998/99: Realignment would not revitalize the Rangers as they miss the playoffs for the 2nd straight year with a 33-38-11 record. As the season wined down it became obvious Wayne Gretzky was going to retire. Already having won the All-Star Game MVP "The Great One" took his final bow on April 18th at Madison Square Garden during an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

1999/00: To try and retool the Rangers land Free Agent Theo Fleury in attempt to boost the offense. However Fleury would have a terrible first season as the Rangers struggles continued. Making matters worse was the midseason knee injury to Mike Richter as the Rangers were never in the playoff picture. As the season winded down Coach John Muckler was fired. The house cleaning would continue after the season as GM Neil Smith was fired. Smith would eventually be replaced by legendary Edmonton Oilers architect Glen Sather.

2000/01: One of GM's John Muckler's first moves was to bring back the Captain Mark Messier. However, under new Coach Ron Low Messier looked old as Goalie Mike Richter struggled to return from his knee injury. Showing flashes early Theo Fleury would disappoint again as his season is shortened when he checks into drug rehab. The Rangers would go on to miss the playoffs for the 4th year in a row with a 33-43-5-1 record.

2001/02: Rolling the dice the Rangers acquire Eric Lindros, who sat out an entire season with a concussion from the Philadelphia Flyers. Lindros would provide an early spark as the Rangers were in first place until late December. However, Lindros would suffer a mild concussion, and lose his aggressiveness as the Rangers had trouble winning in January and February. The rangers slowly would slide down the standing as undisciplined play and the loss of Mark Messier to a shoulder injury led to the Rangers falling out of the playoffs again with a 36-38-4-4 record. As the season wound down the Rangers started to retool acquiring highflying Pavel Bure from the Florida Panthers. Bure would score 12 goals in as many games to gives fans hope over the off-season. Following the season the retooling would continue as Coach Ron Low was fired, and replaced by ex-New York Islander star Bryan Trottier. Also getting dumped after the season was Theo Fleury who had a bizarre season full of odd penalties, completing his 3 years in New York as one of the biggest free agent busts in NHL history. Undaunted the Rangers continued to use Free Agency signing high priced Darius Kasparaitis and Bobby Holik.

2002/03: Under new Coach Bryan Trottier is was the same old song and dance as the Rangers struggled out of the gate winning just 2 of their first 9 games. In October things would go bad to worse as Goalie Mike Richter suffered a career ending concussion. With 2nd year goalie Dan Blackburn struggling, the Rangers acquired Mike Dunham from the Nashville Predators. However, the Rangers continued to struggle as Brian Leetch missed 2 months due to injury. With the Rangers struggling on January 30th the team decided to cut its losses as Bryan Trottier was fired and replaced by GM Glen Sather. However, the Rangers continued to struggle so they decided to make more big salaried additions reacquiring Alexei Kovalev from the Pittsburgh Penguins and later acquiring Anson Carter from the Edmonton Oilers. The moves would work as the Rangers played well in March. However, the Rangers would still miss the playoffs for the 6th year in a row with a record of 32-36-10-4.

2003/04: The Rangers woes continued as they began the season playing mediocre hockey as their big money players Eric Lindros, Alexei Kovalev, and Petr Nedved continued to struggle. However Mark Messier celebrating his 25th season in the NHL looked reenergized early in the season as he passed Gordie Howe for 2nd in scoring with his 1,851st career point on November 4th. However at 43 Messier could not carry the team alone and the Rangers struggles continued to increase fan hostility as the team was booed night and night out at the Garden with fans chanting Fire Sather at Coach and General Manager Glen Sather. Hoping to revitalize their hopes Sather would trade Anson Carter to the Washington Capitals for Jaromir Jagr on January 24th, adding to the Rangers bloated payroll in a deal that only made the team worse, as the Rangers won just 3 of their next 12 games playing listless hockey before angry fans. Finally Sather stepped down as Coach replacing himself with Tom Renney as he focused solely on his duties as General Manager as he began to dismantle the team. The moves came fast near the deadline as Alexei Kovalev was shipped to the Montreal Canadiens, Petr Nedved to the Edmonton Oilers, Matthew Barnaby to the Colorado Avalanche, Martin Rucinsky to the Vancouver Canucks, and Chris Simon to the Calgary Flames, all players who had underachieved and were booed soundly by Ranger fans. However the deal of Brian Leetch to the Toronto Maple Leafs would only serve to anger fans further as Leetch was one of a few players who seemed to be playing hard every game, but not only that had been a fan favorite for his entire 16 year career which included the 1994 Conn Smythe Award. None of the deals brought any top prospects or draft picks and left the Rangers a barren stripped club that would go on to finish the season with an awful 27-40-7-8 record which landed them 4th in the Atlantic Division, missing the playoffs for an inglorious franchise record 7th year in a row.

2004/05: Season Cancelled Due to Lock Out

2005/06: Before the Lock Out the Rangers were a lost franchise, throwing bad money at players past their prime the Rangers seemed looked in a vicious cycle of bad decisions as they had not made the playoff since 1997. After the Lock Out the Rangers were forced to cut their bloated payroll, to get under the new Salary Cap. It proved to be just what the doctor ordered. Instead of spending money on a few high priced stars the Rangers now decided to give their prospects from the minors, a chance while signing solid role players to fill out the roster. The Rangers were also helped by the rejuvenation of Jaromir Jagr, who before the lockout looked a washed up player with a bloated contract, but with rule changes to increase offense he was suddenly back in his prime as he was among the league leaders in goals and assists all season as he set Rangers franchise record for goals (54) and points (123) as he was a finalist for the Hart Trophy, as the Rangers who were picked to finish last overall by many experts led the Atlantic Division most of the season. Also leading the way for the resurgent Rangers was Goalie Henrik Lundqvist who was a forgotten mid-round draft pick in 2000, but came to the NHL and won the starting job away from Kevin Weekes early in the season. Lundqvist was especially strong in shootouts, none better highlighted then the November 26th game at the Garden against the Washington Capitals as the game went 15 rounds before Marek Malik's goal between the leg's gave the Rangers a 3-2 win, and gave Rangers fans hope. However, as the season wore down the Rangers wore down and their lead for first place vanished as Lundqvist who led Sweden to a Gold Medal at the Torino Olympics, missed most of April with an injury as the lost their final five games and landed in third place with a record of 44-26-12. The Rangers would continue to struggle in the playoffs as they faced the New Jersey Devils in the first round, as they were blown off the ice on the road in Game 1 losing 6-1, as Jaromir Jagr suffered a shoulder injury. The Rangers would never recover as Jagr was effectively knocked out of the rest of the series as the Devils won four straight for a sweep.

2006/07: Coming off their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade the Rangers were expecting to be among the top teams in the Eastern Conference as the signed Veteran Brendan Shanahan to add leadership and scoring. On Opening Night, Shanahan became an instant fan favorite scoring twice to reach the 600 goal milestone as the Rangers beat the Washington Capitals 5-2. However, the Rangers struggled out of the gate as newly minted Captain Jaromir Jagr still had the lingering effects of a shoulder injury suffered in the playoffs against the New Jersey Devils. Jagr would slowly get healthy joining Shanahan in 600-goal club on November 19th. While Jagr started to get healthy the Rangers continued to struggle losing seven straight in December as they were in danger of missing the playoffs once again. Sitting at 25-24-4 on February 5th the Rangers acquired pesky LW Sean Avery from the Los Angeles Kings; the move was just what the Rangers needed, as Avery gave them a boost of adrenaline launching them to be one of the best second half teams in the NHL. Still needing a strong finish to get into the playoffs the Rangers would win eight of ten games down the stretch to qualify for the 6th seed with a record of 42-30-10. In the playoffs the Rangers were matched up against the Atlanta Thrashers, a franchise reaching the playoffs for the first time ever. It would be just a cameo for the team from the south as the Rangers dominated from the start winning the first two games in Atlanta, as Sean Avery went from pest in Game 1 to hero in Game 2 scoring a goal, and assisting on another as the Rangers won 2-1. As the series shifted to an energized Madison Square Garden the Rangers were ready to explode in Game 3, beating the Thrashers 7-0, as Michael Nylander scored a hat trick. The Rangers would go on to complete the sweep with a 4-2 win in Game 4. In the second round against the Buffalo Sabres, the Rangers did not start as quickly dropping the first two games in Buffalo. However, as the series shifted to the Garden the Rangers got back into the series winning Game 3 in double overtime 2-1 on a goal by Michal Rozsival. The Rangers would even the series with another 2-1 win in Game 4, as Henrik Lundqvist held off a Sabres barrage in the final minute. Lundqvist appeared to be carrying the Rangers in victory again in Game 5 in Buffalo, as they led 1-0 late in regulation. However, with 7.7 seconds left the Sabres forced overtime on a goal by Chris Drury. The Sabres would go on to win the game on a power play goal by Maxim Afinogenov. The Sabres would go on to win the series in six games winning 5-4 to end the Rangers Stanley Cup hopes. Chris Drury the player who broke their hearts in Game 5, would join the Rangers just a few months later, as the Rangers looked to add scoring by signing the former Little League World Series hero from nearby Trumbull, CT to a five year deal worth $32.25 million. In addition the Rangers also swiped Scott Gomez away from the rival Devils with seven year, $51.5 million dollar contract.