Historically: The Rangers have played Chicago more than any other team in the NHL besides Boston and are 234-241-98-1. Recent history had the Rangers come home from Prague to open the Garden against the Baby Hawks with a nice 4-2 win.
Where We Are Now: The Rangers are coming off of two straight close wins against bad teams.
Where They Are Now: They are also coming off of two straight wins and are just seven point behind the mighty Detroit Red Wings in the Central Division with three games in hand. Who'da thunk it??Who To Watch For: Kane, Toews, Campbell, Havlat, Sharp, Versteeg ... pick your poison. A lotta scary good, young talent out there. And they have that idiot goon Ben Eager to run around and protect them, while Adam Burish rides shotgun.
What To Watch For: Redden and company falling apart, specifically on the power play where the Hawks speed will surely cost us a shortie or two.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Future Blue looking better then the Baby Hawks and Eager getting a beating at the hands of the mighty Orr.
Also Check Out: Second City Hockey, Third Man In, the Fifth Feather and the greatly named Ghost of Ed Litzenberger.
And, as always, head over to Weinman's Ranger Report. I have been asked if I know him personally and the answer is no, the dude just does a bang-up job ...
Peepin' Foes: Chicago Blackhawks - A Historic Rivalry Renewed
In the world of professional ice hockey, some rivalries stand the test of time and become legendary. One such rivalry is the clash between the New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks. Steeped in history, this rivalry is a meeting of two Original Six franchises, each with its storied past, passionate fan base, and commitment to excellence. In this article, we'll explore the rich history and dynamics of the Rangers vs. Blackhawks rivalry, highlighting memorable moments and key players from both sides.
The Origins of the Rivalry
The New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks both joined the NHL during the 1926-1927 season when the league expanded from four to ten teams. This expansion marked the birth of the Original Six era, which lasted until 1967 when the NHL expanded further. During this time, the Rangers and Blackhawks became fierce rivals due to their geographic separation and the competitive nature of the league.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
1933 Stanley Cup Finals: The Rangers and Blackhawks faced off in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time. The Rangers emerged victorious in a grueling three-game series, claiming their second Stanley Cup.
The Esposito Brothers: Phil and Tony Esposito were standout players for the Blackhawks in the 1960s and 1970s. Phil, in particular, had a storied career with Chicago, and his battles with the Rangers were epic.
The 1994 Stanley Cup Finals: This series is etched in Rangers' lore as they clinched their first Stanley Cup in 54 years by defeating the Vancouver Canucks. While not a direct Rangers vs. Blackhawks matchup, the victory was celebrated by Rangers fans across the globe.
Outdoor Showdowns: The rivalry has been taken outdoors with memorable matchups in iconic venues. The 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field and the 2019 Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium were prime examples of how this rivalry can captivate a national audience.
Patrick Kane's Overtime Heroics: In the 2015 Western Conference Final, Patrick Kane's double-overtime goal in Game 5 propelled the Blackhawks to victory over the Anaheim Ducks, ultimately leading them to their third Stanley Cup in six years. This moment showcased Kane's exceptional skill and clutch play.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Mark Messier (Rangers): Messier, the Rangers' legendary captain, led the team to their 1994 Stanley Cup victory, solidifying his place in Rangers history.
Bobby Hull (Blackhawks): Hull, known as the "Golden Jet," was one of the NHL's greatest goal-scorers and a Blackhawks icon.
Henrik Lundqvist (Rangers): "King Henrik" was the backbone of the Rangers' success in the 2000s and 2010s, earning numerous accolades and becoming a beloved figure in New York.
Stan Mikita (Blackhawks): Mikita spent his entire career with the Blackhawks and was one of the most skilled and respected players of his era.
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane (Blackhawks): This dynamic duo led Chicago to three Stanley Cups in the 2010s and are considered among the best players of their generation.
Renewed Excitement
While the teams no longer face each other as often in the regular season due to the NHL's realignment, the Rangers vs. Blackhawks rivalry remains alive and well. Whenever these two teams meet, there's a palpable sense of anticipation and nostalgia among fans. The rivalry continues to captivate a global audience, showcasing the enduring appeal of Original Six hockey.
In recent years, both teams have undergone changes, with new generations of players stepping into the spotlight. The rivalry is not just about the past but also about the promise of the future. As both the Rangers and Blackhawks strive for success, they carry the weight of history and the hope of their devoted fan bases.
The Rangers vs. Blackhawks rivalry is a cherished part of NHL history. It's a celebration of the sport's heritage and a testament to the enduring passion of hockey fans. Whether you're a fan of the Broadway Blueshirts or the Windy City warriors, there's no denying the excitement and drama that this rivalry brings to the ice. As the NHL continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the magic of Rangers vs. Blackhawks matchups will continue to captivate hockey enthusiasts for generations to come.
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