The rise of the New York Rangers: How the legacy of the Blueshirts began

The New York Rangers, one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) most storied franchises, have a rich history that dates back to their founding in 1926. As one of the league’s “Original Six” teams, the Rangers have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of professional hockey in the United States.

Founding and Early Success

The Rangers were established in 1926 by Tex Rickard, the president of Madison Square Garden. The team’s name was coined by the press as “Tex’s Rangers,” a play on words referencing the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency. Remarkably, the Rangers found success early, winning the Stanley Cup in just their second season (1927–28), becoming the first U.S.-based NHL team to do so. They added two more championships in 1933 and 1940, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the league’s early years.

The “Curse of 1940”

After their 1940 Stanley Cup victory, the Rangers entered a prolonged championship drought that lasted 54 years. This period, often referred to as the “Curse of 1940,” became a significant part of the team’s lore. Various theories emerged to explain the drought, including one suggesting that the burning of the mortgage on Madison Square Garden in the bowl of the Stanley Cup angered the “hockey gods.”

Mid-Century Challenges and Rebuilding

The 1940s through the 1960s were challenging decades for the Rangers, marked by inconsistent performance and limited playoff success. However, the team began to rebuild in the 1960s under the leadership of General Manager Emile Francis. This era saw the emergence of stars like Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, and Vic Hadfield, who formed the famed “G-A-G Line” (Goal-A-Game Line). In the 1971–72 season, all three linemates scored over 40 goals, a first in NHL history.

The 1994 Stanley Cup Victory

The Rangers’ most iconic moment came in the 1993–94 season when they captured their fourth Stanley Cup, ending the 54-year drought. Led by captain Mark Messier, defenseman Brian Leetch, and goaltender Mike Richter, the team defeated the Vancouver Canucks in a thrilling seven-game series. This victory remains a defining achievement in franchise history.

Recent Developments

In the years following their 1994 triumph, the Rangers experienced periods of rebuilding and resurgence. The arrival of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in the mid-2000s marked a new era of competitiveness, with the team making regular playoff appearances. In the 2013–14 season, the Rangers reached the Stanley Cup Finals but fell to the Los Angeles Kings.

Legacy and Impact

Throughout their history, the New York Rangers have been more than just a hockey team; they’ve been an integral part of New York City’s sports culture. From their early championships to their modern-day endeavors, the Rangers have cultivated a passionate fanbase and a legacy of resilience and determination.

As the team continues to evolve, the legacy of the Blueshirts serves as a testament to their enduring presence in the NHL and their significant role in the history of professional hockey.