Toggle sidebar

Who is the greatest Ranger ever?

Who is the greatest NYR ever?

  • Total voters
    329
The answer is probably Brian Leetch, then Hank. However, Gilbert is the points and goals leader. Though, if you ever want to feel bad and get your answer as to why this team is so unsuccessful over the last 80 years, look at our points and goals leaders. No 500 goal scorers. 1 guy over 1000 points. Number 1 and 2 on the goals chart played 50 years ago. And together. It's rough in Rangerstown.

You know who is similar and just as unsuccessful, Toronto. Haha. I think things are moving in the right direction. We aren't trading away all our young players as much anymore with reckless abandon. Need to keep that up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheWrongWay, mandiblesofdoom and Salsa Shark
It's probably Leetch because of how long he was here but imo Messier is a close second or tied, we don't win that cup without one of them on the team, Richter was a game changer too but Messier imo brought accountability, work ethic and cup experience that this team greatly needed at the time. He lifted the team up when it needed, if i was to pick on impact to the team i take him but Leetch was so good and a long time ranger.
 
  • Like
Reactions: The S5
My vote is for Andy Bathgate.

Bathgate is IMO the most underrated player in NHL history. Playing in the shadows of the 2 greatest players of all time at that time Howe and The Rocket (both who played RW like Bathgate) he's similar to Yzerman playing in Gretzky and Mario's shadows but only moreso. SIX TIMES HE OUTSCORED GORDIE HOWE IN HIS PRIME. He won 1 Hart . He tied for the scoring race once but Bobby Hull got the Ross because of more goals. He has 2 Ist team all stars and 2 2nd team despite going up against Howe in his prime Richard for a few years in his prime and Geoffrion in his prime. He outscored Richard 77 pts to 62 one year and yet the All star voters gave 2nd team to Richard. He was top 3 or better in League scoring 5 times and 3 more times 4th and another time 6th. He did all this playing in the Hall of Fame Habs ERA with a weak Rangers supporting cast and against the likes of Howe, Richard, Hull, Mikita, Belliveau, Geoffrion,The big M,Dave Keon etc.

In this full context I think his achievements are greater than Leetch's and others.

PS : if you're going to title a poll as greatest Ranger EVER....... you can't exclude older players from the poll.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TheWrongWay, Allan92, cwede and 3 others
hackeyman said:
My vote is for Andy Bathgate.

Bathgate is IMO the most underrated player in NHL history. Playing in the shadows of the 2 greatest players of all time at that time Howe and The Rocket (both who played RW like Bathgate) he's similar to Yzerman playing in Gretzky and Mario's shadows but only moreso. SIX TIMES HE OUTSCORED GORDIE HOWE IN HIS PRIME. He won 1 Hart . He tied for the scoring race once but Bobby Hull got the Ross because of more goals. He has 2 Ist team all stars and 2 2nd team despite going up against Howe in his prime Richard for a few years in his prime and Geoffrion in his prime. He outscored Richard 77 pts to 62 one year and yet the All star voters gave 2nd team to Richard. He was top 3 or better in League scoring 5 times and 3 more times 4th and another time 6th. He did all this playing in the Hall of Fame Habs ERA with a weak Rangers supporting cast and against the likes of Howe, Richard, Hull, Mikita, Belliveau, The big M,Dave Keon etc.

In this full context I think his achievements are greater than Leetch's and others.

PS : if you're going to title a poll as greatest Ranger EVER....... you can't exclude older players from the poll.
Click to expand...
An absolutely amazing analysis of one of the greatest Rangers and NHL players of all time, Andy Bathgate. He doesn't not get the credit he deserves in Rangers lore. Can't buy his retired banner or memorabilia in the club store. He should be an absolute club legend!
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Salsa Shark, mandiblesofdoom, DrandonBudinsky and 1 other person
hackeyman said:
My vote is for Andy Bathgate.

Bathgate is IMO the most underrated player in NHL history. Playing in the shadows of the 2 greatest players of all time at that time Howe and The Rocket (both who played RW like Bathgate) he's similar to Yzerman playing in Gretzky and Mario's shadows but only moreso. SIX TIMES HE OUTSCORED GORDIE HOWE IN HIS PRIME. He won 1 Hart . He tied for the scoring race once but Bobby Hull got the Ross because of more goals. He has 2 Ist team all stars and 2 2nd team despite going up against Howe in his prime Richard for a few years in his prime and Geoffrion in his prime. He outscored Richard 77 pts to 62 one year and yet the All star voters gave 2nd team to Richard. He was top 3 or better in League scoring 5 times and 3 more times 4th and another time 6th. He did all this playing in the Hall of Fame Habs ERA with a weak Rangers supporting cast and against the likes of Howe, Richard, Hull, Mikita, Belliveau, Geoffrion,The big M,Dave Keon etc.

In this full context I think his achievements are greater than Leetch's and others.

PS : if you're going to title a poll as greatest Ranger EVER....... you can't exclude older players from the poll.
Click to expand...
My dad loved Andy Bathgate and Camille Henry. Andy deserves recognition for sure. While not the best ever he is definitely in the top 10.

It is hard to compare career guys like Leetch, Rod and Lundy to guys like Mess.

For me it is
1. Leetch
2. Rod
3. Ratelle
4. Lundy
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheWrongWay, mandiblesofdoom and Ratelleitlikeitis
I’m not breaking any ground here, but I think at the end of the day all these names deserve the recognition. “Greatest Ranger Ever” can be super subjective depending on our age and who we watched growing up. Nostalgia is going to be a factor. I started following team sports in ‘89 and my personal Ranger fandom started with the 1991 Rangers. So, admittedly I never saw the Bathgates, Gilberts, and Parks of the world to really form an opinion to compare their play and achievements to modern day Ranger stars. Though, everything I’ve read about these players point to them being significant talents of their era. So, I can respect them being near the top and take personal accounts here on their play and dominance. Greatest ever really becomes one of those impossible lists that’s difficult to populate. (In baseball/Yankee terms, fans can debate until they’re blue in the face on Jeter, DiMaggio, Mantle, etc as “greatest”. There’s really no right or wrong answer)

With that said - in my personal range of fandom - two Rangers are 1A and 1B for me. Leetch and Lundqvist. Aside from their last season(s) of their careers, both are essentially Ranger lifers with similar top of the league game breaking talent who were marquee players for their respective squads. Both won individual accolades for their position. Both consistently at the top stats wise year in year out. One had the talent, intangibles and quiet leadership (and a stacked team’s help) to deliver a Cup. The other constantly put his teams on his back and came so close to winning despite offensively anemic teams. Singlehandedly (with Jagr’s help for a couple seasons) took the Rangers back into relevance. For me personally, these two are my votes.


I’ll pose this question I sometimes think about when comparing their careers. Let’s re-write history and imagine alternate realities for a second. In this alternate history, that 1994 NYR team is too gassed and banged up from the 7 game Devils series. The team ends up short and loses to Bure’s Canucks. Most of the dynasty Oilers vets jettison after the season and that 1994 team proves to be the last hurrah. Neil Smith’s gambles failed- no talent to compete moving forward. The dark ages soon follow. -On the flip side, say 2014’s NYR get enough offense from a healthy Zucc and automatic scoring machine Nash against the LA Kings. Rangers end up taking the series in 6 on Lundqvist’s timely saves and sheer will. Hank wins the Smythe. Sam gets to make THE call of the century. Rangers raise the Cup after 74 years. Ticker tape parade ensues. Fade to black…

Fast forward…Leetch and Lundqvist still have their same career numbers and individual trophies won come their respective retirements. Only, in this world 2014 is the Cup team. 1994 is the heartbreaking runners up. For you, is Lundqvist the greatest Ranger over Leetch? Or is Leetch still at the top?
 
  • Like
Reactions: blue425 and hackeyman
DrandonBudinsky said:
I’m not breaking any ground here, but I think at the end of the day all these names deserve the recognition. “Greatest Ranger Ever” can be super subjective depending on our age and who we watched growing up. Nostalgia is going to be a factor. I started following team sports in ‘89 and my personal Ranger fandom started with the 1991 Rangers. So, admittedly I never saw the Bathgates, Gilberts, and Parks of the world to really form an opinion to compare their play and achievements to modern day Ranger stars. Though, everything I’ve read about these players point to them being significant talents of their era. So, I can respect them being near the top and take personal accounts here on their play and dominance. Greatest ever really becomes one of those impossible lists that’s difficult to populate. (In baseball/Yankee terms, fans can debate until they’re blue in the face on Jeter, DiMaggio, Mantle, etc as “greatest”. There’s really no right or wrong answer)

With that said - in my personal range of fandom - two Rangers are 1A and 1B for me. Leetch and Lundqvist. Aside from their last season(s) of their careers, both are essentially Ranger lifers with similar top of the league game breaking talent who were marquee players for their respective squads. Both won individual accolades for their position. Both consistently at the top stats wise year in year out. One had the talent, intangibles and quiet leadership (and a stacked team’s help) to deliver a Cup. The other constantly put his teams on his back and came so close to winning despite offensively anemic teams. Singlehandedly (with Jagr’s help for a couple seasons) took the Rangers back into relevance. For me personally, these two are my votes.


I’ll pose this question I sometimes think about when comparing their careers. Let’s re-write history and imagine alternate realities for a second. In this alternate history, that 1994 NYR team is too gassed and banged up from the 7 game Devils series. The team ends up short and loses to Bure’s Canucks. Most of the dynasty Oilers vets jettison after the season and that 1994 team proves to be the last hurrah. Neil Smith’s gambles failed- no talent to compete moving forward. The dark ages soon follow. -On the flip side, say 2014’s NYR get enough offense from a healthy Zucc and automatic scoring machine Nash against the LA Kings. Rangers end up taking the series in 6 on Lundqvist’s timely saves and sheer will. Hank wins the Smythe. Sam gets to make THE call of the century. Rangers raise the Cup after 74 years. Ticker tape parade ensues. Fade to black…

Fast forward…Leetch and Lundqvist still have their same career numbers and individual trophies won come their respective retirements. Only, in this world 2014 is the Cup team. 1994 is the heartbreaking runners up. For you, is Lundqvist the greatest Ranger over Leetch? Or is Leetch still at the top?
Click to expand...
Very well said.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Allan92
Gotta be someone from '94, such a great team and integral to our history

But the old guys like Gilbert, Boucher, Cook and Bathgate are in the running too

Still, it's Leetch or Lundqvist for me
 
Mike Richter has to at least be in this conversation. People forget just how good he was because of the era and team system he played in.



Besides this, just a stellar team ambassador.

Hank absolutely is one of my all-time favorite Rangers. But if I’m in Game 7 and the season is on the line, I take prime Richter over prime Hank.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: egelband, NickyFotiu and NYRFANMANI
haohmaru said:
Why? Hank is one of, if not the, greatest game 7 goalies of all time. (.961 Save %, .111 GAA)

I like Mike, but Hank wins that cup with that team too.
Click to expand...
You literally cannot know that. I mentioned the stat disparity in my OP. Hank in the 90s doesn’t get those numbers.
 
The greatest event to happen in the history of the New York Rangers is the 1994 cup run. This is indisputable. Breaking the drought, the guarantee, and the game 7 victories are in NHL lore as among the most exciting and Hollywood-like moments to have ever happened and even if the Rangers win another cup within our window, it will still not be the one that ultimately broke the drought.

Furthermore, I don't believe solely longevity and franchise records qualify somebody as being the greatest. Consider Hank, my personal favorite player of all time. The sad reality is the 30 years from now, he will be looked at by new fans who weren't around now with great respect for his records and his endurance, but because he never won a cup, he didn't reach that higher echelon, and therefore he will be one of the all time Ranger greats, but not the greatest. It's the unfortunate reality. It's similar to how many of us view Gilbert.

So to me this leaves us with really two options: The first is Messier. The aura of the captain who made the guarantee, the iconic image of him receiving the cup, his tremendous leadership during his tenure, and of course the fact that he was the captain who broke the drought. He is the "face" of our Stanley Cup win. So from a mainstream perspective, this would be correct, and honestly I don't disagree with it and initially was leaning that way.

But really the man that takes all the aforementioned criteria is Brian Leetch. He is the answer to basically every trivia question for a reason, and when it mattered most, he won the Conn Smythe. So the fact that he not only holds all these franchise records, league accolades, and he helped secure that cup win, it guarantees his position as the all time greatest Ranger.
 
  • Like
Reactions: egelband and LeetchisGod
Not trying to say at all, that he was the greatest Ranger, but for a mention would be Jagr, just because of the culture change he brought with him. That to me is worth a mention.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NYRFANMANI
Avery16 said:
Mike Richter has to at least be in this conversation. People forget just how good he was because of the era and team system he played in.



Besides this, just a stellar team ambassador.

Hank absolutely is one of my all-time favorite Rangers. But if I’m in Game 7 and the season is on the line, I take prime Richter over prime Hank.
Click to expand...


I'm known as the biggest Hank critic on this board and this is one of the craziest posts I've seen on the board. Hank was 6-2 in game 7s, allowing no more than 2 goals in any of those games and fewer than two goals in all of the wins. Hank is probably the greatest game 7 goalie of all time. This post is nostalgia run amok.
 
Avery16 said:
Mike Richter has to at least be in this conversation. People forget just how good he was because of the era and team system he played in.



Besides this, just a stellar team ambassador.

Hank absolutely is one of my all-time favorite Rangers. But if I’m in Game 7 and the season is on the line, I take prime Richter over prime Hank.
Click to expand...

He is top 10.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Avery16
For anyone interested, we did do an exhaustive research project on this topic in this forum area from mid-2013 to mid-2014.

Ranking the top 10 NYR all-time at center, wing, and defense.

I believe we did not end up doing goalie cuz Hank was still active. We naturally had a strong feeling he’d end number one (or close to it) when all was said and done. It just felt sensible to wait out his career.

I think my screen name was Cake or Death back then. I recall a number of us exhaustively researching NYRs history, spending a month or more ranking each position. Not just stats, but digging up as many quotes, articles, and thoughts from people who saw and played with or against these players in all eras.

Again, for anyone interested, I’ll re-list below what we came up with in mid-2014:

CENTER
  • Frank Boucher
  • Mark Messier
  • Jean Ratelle
  • Neil Colville
  • Phil Watson
  • Walt Tkaczuk
  • Edgar Laprade
  • Don Raleigh
  • Buddy O'Connor
  • Phil Esposito/Wayne Gretzky
DEFENSE
  • Brian Leetch
  • Brad Park
  • "Ching" Johnson
  • Harry Howell
  • Art Coulter
  • Ott Heller
  • Bill Gadsby
  • Earl Seibert
  • Ron Greschner
  • Babe Pratt
WINGERS
  • Bill Cook
  • Andy Bathgate
  • Rod Gilbert
  • Bryan Hextall, Sr.
  • Cecil Dillon
  • Vic Hadfield
  • "Bun" Cook / Adam Graves
  • Camille Henry
  • Jaromir Jagr
 
  • Like
Reactions: Davenport, Crease, GENESISPuck94 and 2 others
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Top Bottom