Here is how they got their five wins:
Game 1: 10/5/83 vs. New Jersey 6-2
Game 2: 10/7/83 vs. New Jersey 3-1
Game 3: 10/8/83 vs. Pittsburgh 6-1
Game 4: 10/10/83 vs. Los Angeles 2-1
Game 5: 10/13/83 vs. Washington 4-3
On that win over the Caps, Lawrie Mifflin wrote in the New York Times that "The Rangers are off to the best start in the team's 58-year history, thanks to a victory last night that set the Madison Square Garden crowd to roaring as if it were playoff time."
Mark Pavelich had two goals and an assist and Dave Maloney scored the game winner. There were also a pair of injuries in the game - New York's Mike Allison sprained his knee while Scott Stevens - yes, that Scott Stevens - suffered a charley horse. But the big deal apparently was the penalty kill. Where the current Rangers have killed off all 18 power plays through their first four games, the '83 Rangers killed 33 through five and scored four shorthanded goals to boot.
Thanks again to the Times for the info here - their archives are a treasure trove of wonderful info and stories; you just have to pay for it if you aren't a subscriber. I'm not, so that is all you get (it costs four bucks an article!).
Those aforementioned Caps, by the way, would get 101 points and featured three award winners: Bryan Murray won the Jack Adams, Rod Langway took the Norris and Doug Jarvis won the Selke. I still think the NHL needs to name a best defensive defenseman award after Langway, but that is another rant so let's move on to more facts about the Rangers:
*After losing the sixth game, a 6-5 barn-burner to St. Louis, the Blueshirts rattled off four more wins - including two over the evil Islanders.
*Herb Brooks (RIP) was starting his third full post-Miracle season as the Rangers head coach under his former assistant, Craig Patrick, who was the general manager.
*The man, the myth, the hair Ron Duguay left New York in the offseason in a trade to Detroit with Eddie Mio and Eddie Johnstone for Willie Huber, Mark Osborne and Mike Blaisdell. And O-Pee-Chee did a horrible job doctoring a photo of him to put him in a Red Wings jersey. *Glen Hanlon made the transition from Mio's backup to the starter on Broadway. He played 50 games, going 28-14-4 with one shutout and a 3.51 g.a.a. I like to believe that we will get a better season out of our stopper this year.
*Pierre LaRouche was signed just before the 83-84 season started - September 12th - to provide some scoring. He would go on to finish second in team scoring, one point behind Pavelich with 81 through 77 regular season games.
*Not a single player picked in the 83 draft made the roster, but rookies Peter Sundstrom and Jan Erixon both made the team. Youngsters James Patrick and John Vanbiesbrouck even got looks but would not see regular action until the next season.
*Brian Leetch was still several years away so it was Tom Laidlaw who was the Ranger blueliner wearing the No. 2 jersey on the cover of that $2.50 program. *Eight of the current New York Rangers team had yet to be born. Oh man do I feel old.
Well, the Rangers lost in the second round of the 1983 playoffs four games to two to the Islanders, who went on to win their fourth and final Stanley Cup. The '84 postseason saw the Rangers bounced in the first round by - who else - the Isles. The Blueshirts blew a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series and lost the clincher 3-2 in overtime. Thankfully the Isles would go on to fall in the Finals to Gretzky's Oilers in the birth of another dynasty.
Here's to hoping we don't face the Islanders in the playoffs this year and, as always, Let's Go Rangers!
"Rangers Time Machine: 1983 - A Historic Journey Through New York Rangers' Hockey"
The New York Rangers, one of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Original Six teams, have a storied history that spans nearly a century. In our time machine adventure, we set our destination to 1983, a pivotal year in the franchise's history. Join us as we take a journey through the events, players, and memorable moments that defined the Rangers' hockey experience in 1983. In this article, we'll explore the team's performance, key players, and the broader hockey landscape during that era. We'll also answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive look at the Rangers in 1983.
The 1983 New York Rangers: A Snapshot
Regular Season Performance
The 1982-1983 NHL season saw the New York Rangers finish the regular season with a record of 35 wins, 35 losses, and 10 ties. While the team didn't dominate the standings, they secured a playoff spot, providing hope for postseason success.
Key Players
Don Maloney: Don Maloney led the Rangers in scoring during the 1982-1983 season with 82 points. His offensive contributions were crucial to the team's performance.
Barry Beck: Barry Beck, the Rangers' captain, anchored the defense. Known for his physical play and leadership, he was a key presence on the blue line.
Ron Duguay: Ron Duguay, known for his stylish hair and charismatic personality, contributed offensively and was a fan favorite.
Playoff Run
The Rangers' playoff journey in 1983 was a thrilling one. They faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round and emerged victorious in a hard-fought series, winning 3-1. This set the stage for a showdown with the New York Islanders, their cross-town rivals, in the Patrick Division Finals.
The Patrick Division Finals
The Rangers' matchup against the Islanders was a highly anticipated battle. The Islanders, who were in the midst of their dynasty years, presented a formidable challenge. The series went the distance, with both teams displaying fierce determination and grit.
The Rangers ultimately fell to the Islanders in a heartbreaking Game 5 overtime loss. While the outcome was disappointing, the Rangers' playoff run in 1983 showcased their resilience and competitive spirit.
The Broader Hockey Landscape in 1983
The Edmonton Oilers' Rise
The 1983 NHL landscape was defined by the rise of the Edmonton Oilers, led by a young Wayne Gretzky. The Oilers won their first Stanley Cup that year, marking the beginning of their dynasty in the 1980s.
Expansion and Relocation
The NHL underwent changes in 1983, with the addition of two new teams: the New Jersey Devils and the Calgary Flames. The Flames had relocated from Atlanta, marking the beginning of their tenure in Calgary.
Iconic Moments
1983 was a year filled with iconic moments. Gretzky scored an incredible 71 goals in the regular season, setting a new record. In international hockey, the Soviet Union won the inaugural Canada Cup, showcasing their dominance on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did the Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1983?
No, the New York Rangers did not win the Stanley Cup in 1983. They made it to the Patrick Division Finals but were defeated by the New York Islanders.
2. Who was the Rangers' coach in 1983?
During the 1982-1983 season, the Rangers were coached by Herb Brooks, who is perhaps best known for coaching the "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1980.
3. Were there any notable rookies on the Rangers in 1983?
While there were no notable rookies on the Rangers in 1983, the team did have emerging young talents like Ron Greschner, Dave Gagner, and Dave Gagner, who played significant roles on the roster.
4. How did the Rangers' performance in 1983 compare to previous years?
The Rangers' performance in 1983 was decent, but it did not result in a Stanley Cup victory. They had experienced more successful seasons in the past and would continue to strive for championship success in the years to come.
5. Did the rivalry between the Rangers and Islanders intensify in 1983?
The rivalry between the Rangers and Islanders was already intense in 1983, and their playoff matchup that year only added to the rivalry's lore. While the Islanders emerged victorious in that series, the rivalry continued to be a highlight of New York hockey.
The year 1983 marked a chapter in the New York Rangers' storied history. While they fell short of a Stanley Cup championship, their playoff run, led by key players like Don Maloney and Barry Beck, captured the hearts of Rangers fans.
In the broader hockey landscape, 1983 was a year of change and growth, with the emergence of the Edmonton Oilers and the addition of new teams through expansion and relocation.
As we conclude our journey through the Rangers' 1983 season, we are reminded of the enduring passion and dedication of hockey fans and the rich history that continues to shape the sport we love. The Rangers' legacy lives on, and each season adds a new chapter to their illustrious history.
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